Mack Brown’s firing opens a 30-day transfer window for North Carolina football

North Carolina fired Mack Brown on Tuesday morning, one day after the coach announced he planned to return for the 2025 season. The former Texas head coach and national champion will train on Saturday against NC State in his last game at North Carolina.

When the Tar Heels fire Brown, the 30-day transfer portal for North Carolina players opens just 12 days before the official college football transfer portal opens. The December window is shorter than it was a year ago, down to 20 days, which means North Carolina players get a head start.

NCAA rules allow athletes on a team with a coaching change to enter the portal the day after the change. In this case, North Carolina athletes can participate starting Wednesday. Roster retention will be a 1B in finding a successor for Brown. The 73-year-old coach will close his career with over 250 victories.

In recent weeks, Brown told recruits and staff he would be back for the 2025 season. But North Carolina lost 41-21 against Boston College. A source close to the situation in recent days had said the one thing to watch was how UNC performed in these final games. The BC win was enough for athletic director Bubba Cunningham to fire Brown and go in a different direction.

With the one-time transfer rule, athletes can play immediately at new schools. Plus, incoming multiple transfers will be eligible to play immediately at a new school in the 2025-26 academic year.

North Carolina Head Coach Hot Board

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson suffered a season-ending injury in the year’s opener and can return in 2025 with a medical redshirt. The former Texas A&M quarterback must decide whether to stick with the Tar Heels or re-enter the transfer portal. Jacolby Criswell could also return for a sixth season.

North Carolina is currently 6-5 with the final regular season game scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 pm vs. NC State i Chapel Hill.