Mack Brown’s second stint as North Carolina’s football coach ends as UNC announces his firing ahead of the 2025 season. Brown, a national champion, will coach his final game Saturday.
Mack Brown Will Lead Tar Heels in Finale Before UNC Moves On
Mack Brown’s storied coaching career at North Carolina will officially end after this season. A day after Brown, 73, expressed his intent to return in 2025, UNC announced it was parting ways with the veteran coach. Despite the decision, Brown will lead the Tar Heels in their season finale against NC State on Saturday.
Brown’s second tenure with North Carolina began in 2019, marking his return to coaching after leaving Texas in 2013 and spending time as an ESPN analyst. Under Brown, the Tar Heels initially thrived, but the program faltered in recent seasons. North Carolina (6-5) started the current campaign strong at 3-0 but suffered a four-game losing streak, including a shocking 70-50 loss to James Madison. A Week 13 defeat at Boston College highlighted the team’s struggles, with UNC’s offense unable to overcome seven sacks and just 36 rushing yards.
Brown’s coaching legacy is undeniable. In his first stint with the Tar Heels (1988–1997), he transformed a struggling program into a consistent winner, culminating in a 10-1 record before departing for Texas. At Texas, Brown cemented his place in college football history, guiding the Longhorns to two national championship games. His 2005 team claimed the title in a legendary Rose Bowl victory over USC, led by Vince Young’s iconic performance.
UNC’s decision makes Mack Brown the first Power Five coach fired this season, giving the school a head start on its search for a new leader. With a dearth of high-profile candidates and looming changes in player revenue sharing, the coaching carousel may be quieter this offseason. Brown’s departure marks the end of an era for a coach whose career has spanned decades and left a lasting impact on college football.
