“I think it’s a great time for me to get out.”

The Mack Brown 2.0 era for the UNC football program is officially over.

While Brown has stated that he has every intention of coaching the Tar Heels in 2025, Bubba Cunningham and the university had other plans, believing now is the time to take the program in a different direction .

Following the loss to NC State in Brown’s final game, the legendary head coach spoke to the media for the last time in that role. Based on his comments, Brown appears ready to get out.

“I think it’s a great time for me to get out. This is not the game I signed up for. It’s changed so much in the six years I’ve been here.

While the world of NIL and the transfer portal have drastically changed things in college athletics, Brown is right. It’s not the same game as when he took over the role (or at any point during his 40-plus years as coach).

Sure, Brown still has the fire to coach and certainly would have returned if given the opportunity, but it seems he clearly recognizes how times have changed and that it’s time for UNC Football program is best to go in a different direction.

It’s just unfortunate that Brown’s last game at Kenan Stadium resulted in a loss and a postgame brawl.