Why fire Mack Brown now? And how quickly will UNC make a hire? Tar Heels AD explains

Fewer than 24 hours after dismissing football head coach Mack Brown, UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham provided some clarity about the process, and the university’s likely next steps, during an appearance on the Tar Heel Sports Network on Tuesday night.

Cunningham addressed Brown’s exit during THSN’s pregame show at the Maui Invitational, where UNC’s men’s basketball team was taking on Auburn.

“I’d like to go very quickly,” Cunningham said when asked about the school’s timeline to hire a new coach. “Last time we hired Mack, it was 48 hours. It won’t be that fast this time. We have a different board. We have a different chancellor. We have other folks that are involved and I want to make sure the stakeholders [know] this isn’t my hire — this is going to be our hire.”

Cunningham highlighted football’s growth potential, especially regarding ticket sales, and the need to build on initiatives started during Brown’s tenure (like the Bell Tower Block Party) to enhance gameday experiences.

“We can continue to grow football,” Cunningham. “You know with our ACC contract, we’re kind of locked in there. The place where we have the most room to grow are ticket sales and football. So if anybody wants to support the University of North Carolina — all of our programs — the best thing they can possibly do is buy football tickets and come to our games and make it a great, great experience.”

Acknowledging the financial realities of college sports, he noted football’s role in bolstering the athletics department. Alongside UNC’s strong basketball program, this will be especially important in the upcoming era of revenue sharing.

Reflecting on Brown’s impact, Cunningham expressed gratitude for his contributions but also defended the timing of the announcement.

“Professionally, [this is] one of the most challenging things,” Cunningham said. “Personally, I asked him to come. He came. He did more than I expected while he was here. To have those rough conversations and to have it come to a head so abruptly, so quickly — I was hopeful it would be later in the week but I completely divert to his timetable — I think that’s where we are. I can’t thank him and [his wife] Sally enough for what they have done and what they have meant… it was a tough, tough call.”

Brown as recently as Monday said he planned to be back but, amid an inconsistent and disappointing season, Cunningham informed Brown later Monday that “he will not return as head coach,” according to a statement UNC released.

“While this was not the perfect time and way in which I imagined going out, no time will ever be the perfect time,” Brown said in a statement. “I’ve spent 16 seasons at North Carolina and will always cherish the memories and relationships Sally and I have built while serving as head coach.”

Reporter Andrew Carter contributed to this story.

This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Why fire Mack Brown now? And how quickly will UNC make a hire? Tar Heels AD explains."