Mack Brown fired: Why did UNC dismiss its head coach?

The North Carolina Tar Heels (6,5, 3-4 ACC) have flattered to deceive under coach Mack Brown this season and were on the end of a 41-21 blowout loss to the Boston College Eagles in Week 13 on Saturday afternoon. Despite the loss, Brown said in his weekly news conference that he still expected to be the Tar Heels coach next season.

On Monday, UNC released a statement confirming that Brown would not return as head coach next year, although he would coach against the NC State Wolfpack in Week 14 of college football action.

“This season will be Mack Brown’s last as the University of North Carolina’s head football coach,” the press release read. “Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham on Monday informed Brown, who coached UNC from 1988-97 and then returned to Chapel Hill in Nov. 2018, that he will not return as head coach.

“Brown will coach the team Saturday in its season finale against NC State at Kenan Stadium; a decision has not been reached on whether Brown will coach in a Bowl game.”

Mack Brown was on the hot seat after the Tar Heels were blown out 70-50 by the James Madison Dukes in Week 6, after which he threatened to quit in a fiery speech directed at his players in the dressing room.

After leading the Tar Heels to the ACC championship game in 2022, the Tar Heels have not hit the same heights and the blowout losses to James Madison and Boston College hastened the coach's firing.

On Tuesday, Mack Brown also released a statement after the news of his firing was confirmed by the Tar Heels.

"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. "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."

Mack Brown had a tumultuous season

During his weekly news conference, Mack Brown dismissed speculation about his future, revealing that he expected to return as coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels next year.

"You never talk to your athletic director until the year's over," Brown said. "Everybody always does that. My total focus is on NC State. What an awful thing to be talking about me when we just played a bad game and need to beat State."

After Tar Heels wide receiver Tylee Craft died of lung cancer last month, Brown revealed his determination to stay in Chapel Hill and help see his team through the tragedy.

"I realized at that time the team needed me more than ever before," Brown said. "So, probably more than any other time in my career, in my life, I feel like these kids and these coaches need me to step up and be strong and try to help them learn to navigate through these storms and this turmoil."

Over his two stints as coach of North Carolina, Mack Brown accumulated a 113-78-1 record.