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.”

North Carolina announced Tuesday it is letting the veteran coach go. As potential replacements weigh the merits of the job, it’s worth examining why the Tar Heels haven’t had more success.

Only five days before the final week of the regular season, North Carolina became the first power conference school to enter the market. Legendary coach Mack Brown will not be retained in 2025, clearing the way for UNC to be by far the top option on the market for prospective candidates.