North Carolina fired Mack Brown on Tuesday morning, a day after the coach announced he wanted to return for the 2025 season. The former Texas Head coach and national champion will practice against him on Saturday NC State in his final game at North Carolina.

With the Tar Heels releasing Brown, the 30-day transfer portal for North Carolina players will open just 12 days before the official college football transfer portal opens. The December window is shorter than a year ago at 20 days, meaning North Carolina players will get a jump 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 will be able to participate starting Wednesday. When looking for a successor to Brown, retaining the roster is critical. The 73-year-old trainer will finish his career with over 250 wins.

In recent weeks, Brown told his recruits and staff that he would be back for the 2025 season. But North Carolina lost 41-21 to Boston College. A source familiar with the situation had said in recent days that the only thing to pay attention to was how UNC performed in these last few 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 regulation, athletes can now play at new schools. In addition, participants who have transferred multiple times are eligible to immediately play at a new school in the 2025/26 school year.

North Carolina head coach hot board

North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson suffered a season-ending injury in the opening game of the year and is eligible to return in 2025 with a medical redshirt. The former Texas A&M quarterback must decide whether to stay 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 its final regular season game scheduled for Saturday against NC State at 3:30 p.m Kapellenberg.