I’d like to start by mentioning that at Keeping It Heel, we don’t normally post job openings or changes in coaching responsibilities. We do our best to support all UNC athletic teams. However, what we have seen over the last two Novembers, and seasons in general, from the UNC Football program and coaching staff compels us to ask the question (or make the assertion).
The crushing loss to rival NC State for the third consecutive season rounded up another terrible season. There are so many places we can start with this, but I believe that first and foremost, the Tar Heel fanbase must recognize Mack Brown’s contributions to the UNC Football program.
Brown took over a program that had gone 5-18 the previous two seasons. While the program has not devolved into chaos, it has achieved a new level of disappointment, owing primarily to Brown’s high expectations for exceptional quarterbacks. Brown has a 38-26 record (59.3%) across his five-year career. For example, former UNC football coach Larry Fedora had
The record fell to 9-13 after Saturday night’s loss to the Wolfpack, for a 40.9%. The preceding two seasons, 2022 and 2023, were even poorer, with a combined 3-6 (33.3%). Again, this applies solely to FBS opponents. So, why is it problematic to do well late in the season?
Not only are late-season troubles a problem, but the team is also dropping three straight games against a loathed foe in NC State, all while boasting outstanding recruiting classes and probably the two best quarterbacks in program history. Since Brown’s return in 2019, UNC Football has had recruiting classes of 31, 14, 11, and 30, indicating that program change takes time.
With that talent, one would expect more than just what has been accomplished. What has been accomplished, you might ask? Well, victories and losses aren’t the only way to measure a program’s success. It’s also conference championships and bowl victories.
How does UNC Football do in that department? Under Mack Brown in the 2.0 era, the Tar Heels have one (1) Military Bowl win over Temple in 2019 and a Coastal Division Championship leading to an ACC Championship game appearance in 2022.
Outside of that, it’s just been wins against average programs during the regular season and disappointing losses as big favorites. For the record, since 2020, the Tar Heels have lost a remarkable seven games by double-digit favorites. And that comes with the two greatest quarterbacks in program history.
If you’re wondering, that’s the same thing Larry Fedora accomplished in his first five seasons – which included a 2013 Belk Bowl Victory over Cincinnati and a Coastal Division Championship in 2015. Side Note: Fedora also won the Coastal in 2012, but UNC Football was ineligible due to a post-season ban
