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 compiled a 44-32 record (22-24 ACC) across the last six seasons. UNC (6-5, 3-4 ACC) hosts rival N.C. State (5-6, 2-5) in Saturday’s regular-season finale (3:30 p.m., ACC Network) at Kenan Stadium.
So who will replace Brown as the new coach at UNC? With Brown fired in Chapel Hill, here are 10 candidates to be UNC’s next head coach.
Dan Mullen, ESPN analyst/former Florida coach
An ESPN analyst since being fired at Florida in 2021, Mullen has the reputation as one of the top 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 big-time bowl games with top-notch offenses.
Jon Sumrall, Tulane coach
A former SEC linebacker at Kentucky and a rising star who has coached Troy and Tulane to wins in 32 of their 38 games, it’s just a matter of time before Sumrall gets his first Power Four opportunity. If not for 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 great fit.
Jamey Chadwell, Liberty coach
Another popular name the last few seasons, Chadwell has a history in the Carolinas. During his time at Coastal Carolina, Chadwell racked up wins and carried that success to Liberty. He’s had 11 or more wins in three of the last five seasons.
Jeff Monken, Army coach
In a decade-plus at Army, Monken is one win shy of reaching 80 victories during his time with the Black Knights. A model of discipline and consistency, Monken would bring two things that UNC desperately needs to revamp its football program. His current Army team is among the top-25 teams in the nation.
Will Stein, Oregon offensive coordinator
Stein is in the spotlight as the offensive coordinator of the top squad in the country. A strong play caller who has proven capable of directing strong quarterbacks, including Dillion Gabriel this season, Stein could continue the recent success of the Tar Heels at the position.
Glenn Schumann, Georgia defensive coordinator
The Bulldogs’ primary defensive coordinator since 2022, Schumann has been able to learn under national-championship-winning coaches Nick Saban and Kirby Smart over the years at the top of the sport for more than a decade. If UNC wants a defensive-minded leader who has a history with big names, there’s not better choice than Schumann.
Barry Odom, UNLV coach
After a solid stint at Missouri, Odom is another coach known for fielding elite defenses. During his time at UNLV, the Rebels have won 18 of their 25 games. He was a .500 coach with the Tigers, so he may want another shot at leading a Power Four program.
Pete Golding, Ole Miss defensive coordinator
Any ties to Alabama will put you on the radar for a head coaching job, particularly if you were a successful defensive coordinator under Nick Saban. Pete Golding did that with the Crimson Tide before taking the same post at Ole Miss. Golding’s defensive prowess would be a welcomed addition in Chapel Hill.
Deion Sanders, Colorado coach
Coach Prime in Chapel Hill, rocking Jordan gear on the sidelines? It ain’t gonna happen, but it would bring plenty of intrigue and instantly boost the buzz around the Tar Heels. Even with all the off-the-field noise surrounding the Buffs, Sanders has revived the program and has it among the top teams in the Big 12 this season.
Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator
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 field one of the best offenses in the NFL. He had success at Texas Tech and would be a big-splash hire for the Heels.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Who will replace Mack Brown as UNC football coach?
