Charlotte fires athletic director Mike Hill. What’s next for 49ers sports?

The Charlotte 49ers made a change at athletic director on Thursday afternoon, announcing that Mike Hill, who had been in the role for seven years, is no longer with the university.

Per the university statement, the decision was made “after careful deliberation and in recognition that the rapidly evolving business, regulatory and competitive landscape of higher education athletics demands a new approach and renewed strategic foundation.”

This news comes just 13 months after Hill signed a four-year extension through 2030.

Hill, who joined the 49ers in 2018 from the University of Florida, hired three of the football program’s four head coaches, for a 26-47 record during his tenure. Hill was integral in the program’s move to the American Conference in 2023, hired current football coach Tim Albin in December 2024, and men’s basketball coach Aaron Fearne in February 2024. The men’s basketball program has a 90-91 record during Hill’s tenure, including five years under Ron Sanchez, two under Fearne.

Hill released a statement Thursday afternoon thanking the school for his time there.

“It has been an absolute joy for me and my family to be a part of Niner Nation,” Hill wrote. “I am forever grateful to Phil Dubois for the opportunity to lead this program and to Sharon Gaber who leads the university with such vision and strength. Thank you to our coaches, student-athletes and staff who work so tirelessly to represent Charlotte with pride and class. I’ll truly miss you. We will be joining our incredible fans in cheering you on and celebrating many championships to come.”

At Charlotte, Hill hired eight new head coaches, a deputy athletic director for external affairs, and an executive athletic director.

Prior to his time at Charlotte, Hill spent nearly 25 years on staff with the Florida Gators, serving as the Gators’ executive associate athletics director for external affairs for his final six years in Gainesville. A South Carolina native, he is a UNC alum.

University chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, who was hired in April 2020, released the following statement regarding Hill’s tenure with the Charlotte 49ers.

“Over the past seven years, Mike has led our athletics department with deep commitment,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “He played a pivotal role in many important advances for our athletics department, including the move to the American Conference. His hiring of head football coach Tim Albin has also set us on a path toward success. We deeply appreciate Mike’s service, dedication and contributions, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

As the school is searching for its next athletic director, vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel Jesh Humphrey will oversee athletics.

Q&A with Chancellor Sharon Gaber

Hunter Bailey: What does the university owe Hill after the termination?

Sharon Gaber: The terms of Mike Hill’s contract will be honored, including a financial payout of his $420,000 base salary through June 30, 2030. The payout is subject to standard mitigation obligations.

HB: Why was this decision made now?

SG: Timing in leadership transitions is always challenging. However, the landscape of college athletics is changing rapidly, and the University must position itself for long-term success. This transition reflects our commitment to evolving with those changes and ensuring UNC Charlotte remains competitive and sustainable.

HB: What is the timeline for a new hire? We have made no decision on that at this time, and it is too soon to comment further.

HB: What characteristics do you want in the next athletics director?

SG: We’ll be looking for someone who understands the evolving landscape of college athletics—particularly in areas like NIL, student-athlete experience and financial sustainability—and who can continue to strengthen our programs and community engagement.

HB: Did football play a major role in this decision?

SG: No. This decision was not driven by the performance of any specific team. It was based on broader strategic considerations related to the overall direction and competitiveness of our athletics enterprise in a rapidly changing environment.

This story was originally published October 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM.