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    • Who will replace Mack Brown as UNC football coach?
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    Who will replace Mack Brown as UNC football coach?

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    UNC football is moving on from head coach Mack Brown, the Tar Heels and Brown announced Tuesday morning.

    Brown spent 16 seasons in Chapel Hill, including six years in his second stint with the Tar Heels.

    Overall, the 73-year-old coach has compiled a record of 44-32 (22-24 ACC) over the past six seasons. UNC (6-5, 3-4 ACC) hosts rival NC State (5-6, 2-5) in Saturday’s regular-season finale (3:30 p.m., ACC Network) at Kenan Stadium.

    Mack Brown out at UNC

    So who will replace Brown as the new coach at UNC? Now that Brown has been fired in Chapel Hill, here are 10 candidates to become UNC’s next head coach.

    Dan Mullen, ESPN analyst/former Florida coach

    Mullen has been an ESPN analyst since being fired from Florida in 2021 and has a reputation as one of the best offensive minds in coaching circles. He had success in the SEC at Mississippi State and with the Gators, keeping those programs in the mix for major bowl games with top-tier offenses.

    Jon Sumrall, Tulane coach

    A former SEC linebacker at Kentucky and a rising star who has coached Troy and Tulane to win 32 of their 38 games, it is only a matter of time before Sumrall gets his first Power Four opportunity. Without Boise State, the Green Wave would be in the driver’s seat for the Group of Five spot in the College Football Playoff. Given UNC’s consistent defensive struggles, Sumrall would be a good fit.

    Jamey Chadwell, Liberty coach

    Chadwell, another popular name in recent seasons, has a history in the Carolinas. During his time at Coastal Carolina, Chadwell racked up wins and brought that success to Liberty. He has 11 or more wins in three of the past five seasons.

    Jeff Monken, Army coach

    In more than a decade with Army, Monken is one win away from reaching 80 wins during his time with the Black Knights. As a model of discipline and consistency, Monken would bring two things UNC desperately needs to revamp its football program. His current Army team is one of the top 25 teams in the country.

    Will Stein, Oregon offensive coordinator

    Stein is in the spotlight as the offensive coordinator of the country’s top team. As a strong player who has proven the ability to lead strong quarterbacks, including Dillion Gabriel this season, Stein could continue the Tar Heels’ recent success at the position.

    Glenn Schumann, Georgia defensive coordinator

    Schumann, the Bulldogs’ primary defensive coordinator since 2022, has spent more than a decade learning at the top of the sport under national championship-winning coaches Nick Saban and Kirby Smart. If UNC wants a defensive-minded leader who has a history with big names, there is no better choice than Schumann.

    Barry Odom, UNLV coach

    After a solid stint at Missouri, Odom is another coach known for his elite defense. During his time at UNLV, the Rebels have won 18 of their 25 games. He was a .500 coach with the Tigers, so he might want another shot at leading a Power Four program.

    Pete Golding, Ole Miss defensive coordinator

    Any connection to Alabama will put you on the radar for a head coaching job, especially if you were a successful defensive coordinator under Nick Saban. Pete Golding did that with the Crimson Tide before taking the same position at Ole Miss. Golding’s defensive prowess would be a welcome addition in Chapel Hill.

    Deion Sanders, Colorado coach

    Coach Prime in Chapel Hill, rocking Jordan gear on the sidelines? It won’t happen, but it would create a lot of intrigue and immediately increase the buzz around the Tar Heels. Despite all the off-field noise surrounding the Buffs, Sanders has revitalized the program and is one of the top teams in the Big 12 this season.

    Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders

    Would Kingsbury want to return to college football? Things weren’t rosy during his time as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, but he helped the Washington Commanders run one of the best offenses in the NFL. He had success at Texas Tech and would be a big asset for the Heels.

    Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and NC State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Do you have questions about these teams? Send them to [email protected].

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