Key Headlines
- Kliff Kingsbury favorite to take over from Brown as next UNC head coach (16.7% probability).
- Deion Sanders also among front runners to take over from Brown (5.9% probability).
- Bill Belichick and Nick Saban among outsiders to take on Tar Heels role after Brown.
Odds For Mack Brown Replacement
Next UNC Head Coach Odds
- Kliff Kingsbury +500 (16.7%)
- Chip Lindsey +500 (16.7%)
- Freddie Kitchens +700 (12.5%)
- Jeff Traylor +1000 (9.1%)
- Alex Golesh +1000 (9.1%)
- Ryan Silverfield +1400 (6.7%)
- Deion Sanders +1600 (5.9%)
- Jack Del Rio +2000 (4.8%)
- John Sumrall +2000 (4.8%)
- Arthur Smith +2500 (3.8%)
- Dan Mullen +3300 (2.9%)
- Bill O’Brien +3300 (2.9%)
- Curt Cignetti +3300 (2.9%)
- Ben Johnson +3300 (2.9%)
- Bill Belichick +5000 (2%)
- Nick Saban +6600 (1.5%)
- Butch Davis +10000 (1%)
- Tom Brady +10000 (1%)
Mack Brown has announced he will not return to UNC next season, bringing his second tenure with the Tar Heels to a close. The decision comes after a challenging season, including a shocking 70-50 loss to James Madison and a frustrating defeat to Boston College. At 73, the Hall of Famer leaves behind a decorated career but amid growing questions about the program’s future.
Attention now turns to his replacement, with Kliff Kingsbury emerging as the betting favorite at +500. Known for his offensive-minded approach and experience at both the college and NFL levels, Kingsbury is seen as a strong candidate to revitalize the Tar Heels. Other names being discussed include Chip Lindsey, also at +500, and Freddie Kitchens at +700, as UNC looks to rebound in 2025 with fresh leadership.
Kliff Kingsbury Leading the Pack
Kliff Kingsbury tops the list of potential successors, with a 16.7% chance of becoming the next head coach of UNC. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and stint as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and Texas Tech, Kingsbury’s experience running high-powered offenses makes him an attractive candidate for the Tar Heels.
With UNC’s ability to attract top talent at quarterback like Mitch Trubisky and Drake Maye, Kingsbury, a former QB and offensive mastermind could be the ideal coach to lead the Tar Heels to the next level.
Deion Sanders: A Wildcard Contender
Deion Sanders, currently turning heads at Colorado, is also in the conversation, with odds of +1600 of taking over. Sanders, famous for his charisma and success as a player, has rapidly built a reputation as a coach capable of turning programs around.
His ability to recruit and develop young talent, coupled with his growing profile in the college football world, makes him a wildcard option for UNC. However, questions remain as to whether Sanders would consider a jump to UNC or remain focused on his current project or even looking at more high-profile college football roles.
Longshots: Bill Belichick & Nick Saban
The presence of NFL legend Bill Belichick and Alabama’s Nick Saban among the potential candidates is tantalizing, but their odds reflect the slim likelihood of such moves.
Saban (66/1) is now seemingly right at home on ESPN College GameDay, and at 72, his coaching days are probably behind him. Belichick (50/1), at the same age, has also made the move to the media, appearing on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show and Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli Manning. Our experts believe it’s unlikely that either of these two want to deal with the stress of a head coaching position again.
Other Notable Candidates
Chip Lindsey, the current offensive coordinator for UNC, is tied with Kingsbury at 16.7% probability. Lindsey’s familiarity with the program and his offensive expertise make him a natural contender, especially if UNC opts for continuity. However, he could be battling with co-worker Freddie Kitchens for the role.
Kitchens is currently coaching tight ends for North Carolina, is another name to watch, boasting 12.5% probability. His previous head coaching experience with the Cleveland Browns could give him an edge if the Tar Heels seek an internal promotion.
Meanwhile, coaches like Jeff Traylor (9.1%), Alex Golesh (9.1%), and Ryan Silverfield (6.7%) are all viable options, each bringing different coaching styles and experience. Traylor has found success with UTSA, and Golesh, now at South Florida, has built a strong reputation as a tactician.
Commentary
Nick Raffoul, Head of News at Sportscasting commented on the odds:
“Kliff Kingsbury’s position as the favorite to be the next Tar Heels head coach reflects UNC’s desire to inject energy and innovation into its football program. His track record with quarterbacks and high-powered offenses aligns perfectly with the Tar Heels’ history of producing NFL-caliber talent under center. While other names like Chip Lindsey and Freddie Kitchens bring continuity, Kingsbury’s appeal lies in his ability to revamp the program’s identity quickly.”
