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.”

Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan surveys the college football landscape to compile a list of likely candidates to succeed the Tar Heels legend.

Mack Brown sounded firm in his intent to return for another season as North Carolina's coach. A day later, the school announced it was time for a change instead.