UNC was unable to send Mack Brown out a winner in his final game as Tar Heels head coach.
On Saturday, North Carolina dropped its regular season finale to rival NC State, 35-30, closing the chapter on Brown’s second stint with the university.
Following the loss, Brown commented on his exit from UNC’s program — expressing some disappointment in how things unfolded.
“I agree with the administration that we need a change in leadership at the top. I just wanted it to happen after the season was over,” the coach said of his firing (via Andrew Carter of The News & Observer).
Earlier this month, Brown said without hesitation that he intended to return to Chapel Hill for the 2025 season. But the Heels’ athletic department seemed to have other ideas.
As much as he wishes things were different, the 73-year-old said he still sees the positive.
“What a wonderful life I’ve had. What a wonderful career I’ve had,” Brown remarked, claiming that now is as good a time as any for him to get out of the sport.
“This isn’t the game that I signed up for,” he said, referencing NIL and the transfer portal. Adding, “We’re leaving it better than we found it.”
As far as what’s next for Brown, he’s not sure right now. But those discussions will involve his wife, Sally.
Brown won’t be coaching UNC’s bowl game in order to clear the decks for the program’s next coach.
The Tar Heels finish the regular season 6-6 after starting 3-0 in August/September.