The University of North Carolina is navigating a period of transformation in college athletics, as the landscape continues to evolve with new challenges and opportunities. To stay competitive, UNC’s Department of Athletics is preparing for significant changes in its leadership structure. The transition marks a pivotal moment in the department’s history and sets the stage for a new era under experienced leadership.
Steve Newmark Issues Statement on UNC
Bubba Cunningham, the University of North Carolina’s Director of Athletics, has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in his current role through July 2029, according to an official Go Heels announcement.
Cunningham will remain the athletic director until the summer of 2026. After that, he will serve as a Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and Athletic Director for three years, reporting directly to Chancellor Lee H. Roberts.
Cunningham has led UNC Athletics since 2011. During his tenure, the Tar Heels have won 24 national titles and have consistently placed among the top 10 in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings, with 11 top-10 finishes during his time as athletic director. This consistent success has helped position UNC as one of the premier athletic programs in the country.
Meanwhile, Steve Newmark, the former president of Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing, is preparing to take the helm of the UNC Department of Athletics starting in the summer of 2026. Newmark is currently serving as the Executive Associate Athletic Director. According to the Go Heels report, he will focus on strategies to increase revenue, with a particular emphasis on football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball programs.
Newmark brings a wealth of experience from his 15 years at RFK Racing, where he played a key role in contract negotiations, sponsorships, and team operations. His background in NASCAR leadership is expected to be an asset as UNC adapts to the changing dynamics of college sports.
Grateful for a wonderful ride at @RFKracing and looking forward to going back to Blue Heaven and being part of an amazing academic institution and storied athletics department. @GoHeels pic.twitter.com/I686nt8Pow
— Steve Newmark (@NewmarkRFK) July 1, 2025
Newmark, a native of Chapel Hill, has deep ties to the university and the community. He has also served on the advisory committee that played a role in hiring Bill Belichick as Carolina’s head football coach.
In a recent statement, Newmark reflected on his connection to UNC Athletics. “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,” he 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.”
“With collegiate athletics undergoing massive changes at all levels, UNC is well-positioned to take advantage of the new landscape,” Newmark added.
On Tuesday, Newmark bid an emotional farewell to RFK Racing, where he spent the past 15 years as president. He expressed excitement about returning to Chapel Hill and joining the Tar Heel family in a new leadership role.
