UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham Moving to New Role in 2026; Successor Hired

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the university which runs through July of 2029. In the new deal, Cunningham will remain in his current role until the summer of 2026, when he will inherit a new role at UNC: the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Athletic Director.

UNC describes the job as “a new forward-looking position reporting to Chancellor Lee H. Roberts that will allow Cunningham to focus his vast expertise on transformational University projects that will position the University and Carolina Athletics successfully for the future.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to extend my contract and enhance my role in a way that will allow me to continue to support our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff as we transition and navigate the changing athletics landscape,” Cunningham said in a statement. “I am excited for the future.”

In accordance with Cunningham’s upcoming move, UNC has also hired Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, as Executive Associate Athletic Director, effective August 15. Newmark will then succeed Cunningham as UNC’s athletic director when Cunningham transitions to his new role in 2026.

A Chapel Hill native, Newmark has served as RFK Racing’s president for the past 15 years. Previously, he was a partner at the Charlotte-based law firm Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, specializing in sports and entertainment. He worked extensively in college athletics, including working with the Southeastern Conference and Conference USA to land multi-media deals and partnership agreements.

Notably, Newmark was part of the advisory committee which assisted in hiring Bill Belichick as UNC’s head football coach in December. He is also a member of the committee which will hire the next executive director of The Rams Club after John Montgomery leaves the role at the end of the calendar year.

“Like many passionate Tar Heel fans, avidly following UNC Athletics has represented a special and unique bond with my family and friends since childhood, and I recognize the role it serves for the University, alumni, community and broader fanbase,” Newmark said. “I look forward to working with Bubba and the entire Tar Heel Nation to continue to elevate UNC’s status as a premier brand in college sports with top-tier programs across the board, and with student-athletes who represent North Carolina’s flagship institution with class on and off their respective playing fields.”

Cunningham has served as UNC’s athletic director since 2011. In that time, eight different programs have won 24 national championships, and Tar Heel athletes have won 22 individual national titles. UNC’s fourth-place finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup for the 2024-25 academic year was its best in 16 seasons.

“Bubba is a national leader in his field, and his vision and dedication have helped Carolina Athletics reach new heights while navigating an unprecedented era,” Roberts said. “We are excited to build on that success by incorporating Steve’s deep experience with strategic partnerships and sponsorships to build an even brighter future for Carolina Athletics.”

Featured image via Associated Press/Chris Seward

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