North Carolina Coaching Candidates: Top 3 potential replacements for Mack Brown after his UNC firing

North Carolina parted ways with longtime coach Mack Brown on Tuesday, making it the first Power Four program to open a head coaching vacancy this cycle. Brown was fired following a poor season for the Tar Heels (6-5, 3-4 ACC).

With Brown leaving the program as its winningest coach, there’s a need to have a capable replacement for him. Here’s a look at three coaches who could be in the position to steer North Carolina to a new future.

Top three replacements for Mack Brown

#1, Arthur Smith, Offensive Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers

After more than a decade, Arthur Smith has a chance to return to college football. The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator is considered the frontrunner to replace Mack Brown at North Carolina, marking a return to his alma mater after two decades.

Smith has gained a wealth of experience in the NFL over the years, working different roles at the Tennessee Titans for ten seasons before taking the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job in 2021. He joined the Steelers ahead of the 2024 season after the Falcons fired him.

With his astute play-calling ability and familiarity with the school, Smith is a fantastic option for the Tar Heels in their quest to rebuild the program.

#2, Dave Clawson, Head Coach, Wake Forest

Dave Clawson is an in-state option North Carolina can consider in replacing Mack Brown. The coach has been at Wake Forest since 2014 and has guided them to one of the most successful eras in the program's history.

In his 11-season tenure with the Demon Deacons, Clawson has led the program to a 67-68 overall record. This is highlighted by a program-best streak of seven consecutive bowl game appearances from 2016 to 2022, coming out victorious in five.

With his years of experience leading Bowling Green and Wake Forest, North Carolina is a perfect spot for Clawson to advance his career. He can bring success and stability to the Tar Heels if hired.

#3, PJ Fleck, Head Coach, Minnesota

With his exploits at Minnesota over the years, PJ Fleck does not need much introduction. Still only 43, the coach is concluding his eighth season in charge of the Golden Gophers, showcasing the amount of experience he’s garnered in the college football landscape.

Fleck has amassed a 56-39 overall record, including a 33-36 mark in Big Ten play. This presents him as a great option for North Carolina as they seek to secure a brilliant replacement for Mack Brown.

He has no clear ties to North Carolina or athletics director Bubba Cunningham, and whether he would seriously consider leaving Minnesota for the Tar Heels remains uncertain. However, a few insiders have linked him to the job since Brown was fired.