On Nov. 26, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels fired head coach Mack Brown after a disappointing season thus far. Currently, the Tar Heels are 12th place in the ACC and hold a 6-5 overall record. Only 3-4 against conference opponents, it has been a frustrating campaign.
While it is yet to be announced who will replace the departing Brown, there are some interesting names being circulated from both the college and professional levels. However, it is clear that whoever comes in will mark a seismic shift from the play-calling and formation schemes the 73-year-old Brown was known for during his time as head coach.
Are There Any Former NFL Coaches Who Could Go to UNC?
While there will surely be more coaches in play come the annual NFL firing spree, the top of the UNC head coaching list as of now may be former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
Following the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last season, San Francisco fired Wilks. Since then, he has volunteered as an advisor but not formally returned to coaching in any capacity.
Wilks becoming the UNC head coach could solve some of the defensive woes that have hindered the Tar Heels this season. Known for his aggressive blitz packages and ability to confuse opposing quarterbacks with discrete coverages, Wilks has the chance to strengthen and improve the stability of the struggling UNC program.
While it remains to be seen who becomes the program’s next head coach, it is clear that there are numerous solid choices available from both the college and NFL levels.
Which College Coaches Could Become New North Carolina Head Coach?
At this time, it appears that Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is one of the favorites to step into the UNC role. Since leaving the Kansas Jayhawks in favor of the Nittany Lions in late 2023, Kotelnicki has been instrumental in Penn State’s 10-1 overall record and being 7-1 in the Big Ten conference this season.
Known for his pre-play shifts and motion, his offensive coaching style features a solid blend of both the run and the pass.
In addition to Kotelnicki, current Marshall head coach Charles Huff is someone who could be near the top of the UNC coaching list. Huff has held numerous coaching capacities with college programs such as Alabama, Penn State, and Vanderbilt.
Most recently as head coach of the Marshall Thundering Herd, Huff has played a major role in the program being first place in the SBC East this season with an 8-3 record. Huff is known for his ability to create a strong and positive culture within the locker room, something that is most likely needed at UNC after a disappointing season.