Mack Brown Criticizes UNC Administration Over Handling of His Firing
The Tar Heels parted ways with their most successful coach under uncomfortable circumstances. When North Carolina re-hired Mack Brown before the 2019 season, it probably didn’t foresee such an ending.
On Saturday, the Tar Heels concluded a 6-6 season with a 35-30 loss to NC State, marking Brown’s final game after being fired by North Carolina on Tuesday. It was a disappointing finish for the legendary coach in UNC history.
Speaking to the media after the game, Brown sharply criticized the timing of his dismissal by the university.
“All I wanted to do was wait until the end of the year,” Brown explained to reporters, according to Thomas Goldkamp of On3. “They wanted me to retire on Monday, before the [NC] State game. We hadn’t beaten State, and it was important for the kids to play well and have a chance to win. I didn’t want to disappoint them on Monday, so I said, ‘No, I won’t do that.’ Then they asked me to do it on Friday. Well, I wasn’t going to do it Friday before the game.”
This strange series of events capped a tough year for the Tar Heels, who had to cope with the loss of wide receiver Tylee Craft on October 12.
Despite the loss on Saturday, Brown leaves with an enduring legacy, holding a school record of 113 wins during his two tenures at North Carolina.
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