The Mack Brown Era 2.0 in Chapel Hill will last just a little bit longer.

The football program announced Wednesday that it had agreed with Brown to a one-year contract extension. The length of Brown’s contract remains at five years, scheduled to expire in June 2027, when the head coach would be two months away from his 76th birthday. Brown originally signed a five-year contract with UNC in December 2018, but has followed that up with two separate extensions.

“Since his return to Carolina, Mack has done an outstanding job building a positive culture and energizing our fan base,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said. “Under his leadership, we will continue to win both on the field and in the classroom, and we are all excited about the future of our football program. Sincere thanks to Mack and Sally for all of their contributions to the Chapel Hill community.”

Brown is one of only five active FBS head coaches with a national championship, and the only one who is currently in the Hall of Fame. He ranks eighth all-time with 265 career wins, and was named National Coach of the Year with Texas in 2008.

“I want to thank the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Guskiewicz, Bubba Cunningham and the athletics department for their continued investment in our football program,” Brown said. “We’ve been able to accomplish a lot over the last three years on the field, in recruiting, and in the classroom. The program was able to navigate a difficult period during the pandemic and it is in a healthy place currently. We’re excited about where we’re headed, and as we continue to receive strong support from the University, the future is bright for Carolina football.”

In Brown’s three seasons back with the program, Carolina has reached a bowl game in three straight seasons after missing the postseason in the previous two years. The Tar Heels reached the program’s first-ever Orange Bowl during the 2020 season, and have set new standards on the recruiting trail with a loaded 2022 class.

The football program just released its 2022 regular season schedule on Monday, and season tickets are currently on sale.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Gerry Broome

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