Will North Carolina athletics director Bubba Cunningham target a sitting head coach, like Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, or a well-regarded coordinator from a major program, like Georgia’s Glenn Schumann?

The last time North Carolina athletics director Bubba Cunningham hired a football coach, it took two days to select Mack Brown in 2016.. He won't be able to move that fast this year, Cunningham said in an interview with the Tar Heel Sports Network on Tuesday night before the men's basketball game in Maui.

In an appearance on the Tar Heel Sports Network, Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham answered questions about the dismissal of football coach Mack Brown on Tuesday.

Brown as recently as Monday said he planned to return next season, but Bubba Cunningham, the UNC athletic director, informed Brown later Monday that “he will not return as head coach.”

Tar Heels head football coach Mack Brown will not returning to the team after the current season, UNC reported on Tuesday. The Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham allegedly informed Brown that he will not be making the cut for the next season.

Here's a snippet of reactions on social media to the announcement by North Carolina that Mack Brown won't return in 2025.

North Carolina says Mack Brown — the leader among all active Bowl Subdivision coaches in wins — won’t return for the 2025 season

Mere days after legendary coach Mack Brown left the door open to a return in 2025, North Carolina football slammed it shut. UCN announced Tuesday Brown would not be returning after 2024, ending his second tenure after six years and 16 total years in Chapel Hill.