UNC Honors Legendary Coach Mack Brown

Former Tar Heels football coach celebrated at basketball game

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:04am

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The University of North Carolina welcomed back legendary former football coach Mack Brown during halftime of the men's basketball team's game against Louisville on Monday night. Brown, the all-time winningest coach in UNC football history, was escorted to mid-court by current head coach Bill Belichick, chancellor Lee Roberts, and executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark.

Why it matters

Mack Brown's tenure as UNC's football coach spanned over a decade and included some of the program's most successful seasons. His return to Chapel Hill was celebrated as a chance to honor his legacy and contributions to the university's athletic department.

The details

Brown compiled a 113-78-1 overall record across two stints as the Tar Heels' head football coach, from 1988-1997 and then again from 2019-2024. During his time leading the program, UNC experienced significant on-field success, making him the winningest coach in school history.

  • Mack Brown was honored during halftime of the UNC men's basketball game vs. Louisville on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Mack Brown

The all-time winningest head football coach in University of North Carolina history, leading the Tar Heels from 1988-1997 and again from 2019-2024.

Bill Belichick

The current head football coach of the University of North Carolina.

Lee Roberts

The chancellor of the University of North Carolina.

Steve Newmark

The executive associate athletic director at the University of North Carolina.

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The takeaway

Mack Brown's induction into the UNC Athletics Hall of Fame is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, further cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the history of Tar Heels football.