Head coach Mack Brown has been fired by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WGHP) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is parting ways with head coach Mack Brown.

School officials made the decision Monday.

Brown, 73, is UNC’s all-time leader in wins and games coached. He initially coached the program from 1988 to 1997 before moving to the University of Texas, where he won a national championship.

Brown came out of retirement in 2019 to once again lead the Tar Heels. His career record at UNC is 113-78-1.

Brown will continue to coach UNC in its final home game against NC State on Saturday. However, it is unknown whether or not he will coach the Tar Heels in their bowl game.

Carolina is currently 6-5 this season.

Athletic director Bubba Cunningham released the following statement:

“Mack Brown has won more games than any other football coach in UNC history, and we deeply appreciate everything he has done for Carolina football and our university.”

“Over the last six seasons – his second season in Chapel Hill – he has earned our team six bowl berths, including an Orange Bowl, while overseeing 18 NFL draft picks. He and his wife Sally have done an outstanding job supporting the Carolina community, including raising funds for UNC Children’s Hospital and hosting other popular events such as the Ladies Day Clinic. Both have provided great leadership for our program even through some incredibly difficult periods, including the tragic death of wide receiver Tylee Craft this season.

“Coach Brown has put the Carolina football program back in the national conversation by improving the program’s facilities, significantly increasing headcount, investing in salaries and strengthening our nutrition, strength and conditioning programs. He was also a dedicated fundraiser, strengthening the football foundation while supporting our other sports programs.

“We thank Coach Brown for his commitment to Carolina and wish him, Sally and their family all the best.”

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Bubba Cunningham

Brown also released a statement:

“Although this wasn’t the perfect time or way I imagined going out, it will never be the perfect time. I spent 16 seasons at North Carolina and will always cherish the memories and relationships Sally and I built as head coaches. We have had the opportunity to coach and mentor some great young men and we will miss the opportunity to do so in the future. Going forward, my primary focus will be helping these players and coaches prepare for Saturday’s game against NC State and giving them the best chance to win. We want to send these seniors out the right way and I hope our fans come out on Saturday to do the same.”

Mack Brown

Brown’s contract ran for three years. The remaining payments will be paid by the athletic department and not through state funds.