Mack Brown Confirms Intent to Return as North Carolina Coach for 2025 Season

North Carolina football coach Mack Brown has reaffirmed his intention to return to the Tar Heels for the 2025 season. During his weekly press conference on Monday, Brown addressed speculation about his future, stating that he has not yet discussed his plans with athletic director Bubba Cunningham but is committed to continuing his role.

Brown, who is 73 years old, has been at the helm of North Carolina since 2019, marking his second stint with the program after previously coaching there from 1988 to 1997. The 2024 season has been particularly tumultuous, with the team experiencing a four-game losing streak that included a 70-50 loss to James Madison and later a 41-21 loss to Boston College.

Despite the challenges, Brown emphasized his focus on the upcoming rivalry game against NC State. “You never talk to your athletic director until the year’s over. 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,” he said.

Brown’s perspective on his role was significantly influenced by the loss of receiver Tylee Craft, who passed away after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Brown reflected that this event made him realize the team needed him more than ever before, motivating him to stay and help the team navigate through difficult times.

North Carolina currently stands at 6-5 and is aiming to secure a win against NC State to solidify their bowl eligibility. Brown’s decision to continue coaching is a significant development for the program, given his extensive experience and the team’s recent performance).