Mack Brown wanted to stay.
North Carolina had other plans.
Tar Heels athletic director Bubba Cunningham told Brown on Monday that he does not intend to return for the 2025 season, even though he has three years left on his contract. the school announced.
Brown will coach the team's final regular-season game against rival North Carolina State on Saturday, but it has not been decided whether he will coach in a bowl game.
“This wasn't the perfect time or way I imagined going out, but there's never a perfect time.” Mr. Brown said in a statement:. “I spent 16 seasons at North Carolina and will always cherish the memories and relationships I built with (my wife) Sally during my time as head coach. We coached some great young men and will continue to cherish them. , I had the opportunity to teach, and I will be sad to not have that opportunity in the future.
“Going forward, my entire focus is on helping these players and coaches prepare for Saturday's game against North Carolina State and giving them the best chance to win. We want to send these seniors out and we hope our fans will come Saturday and do the same.”
Brown, 73, is in his sixth year in charge, his second time leading the Tar Heels after leading them from 1988 to 1997.
The Tar Heels are 6-5 this year, just 44-32 over the past six seasons, and have lost at least five games in four straight seasons.
Brown made headlines this season with several non-competitive losses, including a 70-50 loss to James Madison. Brown said he told his players: If he can't resolve these issues, he will walk away.
The school's announcement came a day after Brown said he intended to return, but Brown seemed embarrassed that a reporter brought up the topic.
“I never talk to the athletic director until the year is over. Everybody does that all the time. I'm committed to NC State,” Brown told ESPN. “It’s awful to talk about me when we just had a bad game and we have to beat State.”
Brown enters Saturday's game with a 113-78-1 record at the University of North Carolina and a 282-149-1 career record, which includes stints at the University of Texas and Tulane University.
He won his only national title with the Longhorns during the 2005 season.
“Mack Brown has won more games than any football coach in UNC history, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has done for Carolina football and our university.” Cunningham said in the release. “Over the past six seasons (his second campaign in Chapel Hill), he has coached our team to six bowl berths, including the Orange Bowl, while coaching 18 NFL draft picks. I did.
“Coach Brown has led the Carolina football program back into the national conversation as he improves the program's facilities, significantly expands the size of his staff, invests in payroll, and strengthens his nutrition and strength and conditioning programs. He has also been a dedicated fundraiser, strengthening the football endowment while supporting other sports programs.
“We thank Coach Brown for his dedication to Carolina and wish him, Sally, and their family the best.”
