Surprising Power Shift at UNC: Bill Belichick’s New Boss Revealed!
So, Bill Belichick—yes, that Bill Belichick—might just have a new boss on the horizon if he sticks around Chapel Hill next year. Now, here’s the kicker: Bubba Cunningham, the UNC athletic director who’s been steering the ship since 2011, announced he’s stepping down next summer. Replace him? Steve Newmark, president of RFK Racing and a local guy with big plans to pump up revenue for the Heels’ football and basketball programs. Sounds straightforward, right? But here’s where it gets spicy—rumors swirl that Cunningham wasn’t too thrilled about Belichick’s hiring, sparking whispers of a power shuffle just as the six-time Super Bowl champ settles in. Talk about drama off the field! Meanwhile, Cunningham’s legacy is no joke—top 10 finishes in the Director’s Cup 11 times and 24 national titles under his belt. As for Newmark, he’s no rookie either; a lawyer turned racing exec and Chapel Hill native, already in the mix when Belichick got the nod. UNC’s clearly all-in on football with Bill on the sideline, but given he can drop a million bucks and walk away anytime, are they rolling the dice too hard? Intriguing times ahead, my friends. LEARN MORE
Bill Belichick will reportedly be answering to a new boss next year (should he remain in Chapel Hill).
On Tuesday the Sports Business Journal reported that UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham has announced plans to step down next summer after serving in that role since 2011.
According to SBJ, Cunningham will be replaced by RFK Racing president Steve Newmark who will start under the title of “Executive Associate AD” next month.
In that time Newmark will report to Cunningham and focus on driving revenue to the Heels’ football and basketball programs before taking on full-time director responsibilities in ’26.
Cunningham’s exit also comes amid reports that he may not have wanted to hire Belichick at North Carolina— leading many to wonder if this was a possible power grab on the part of the six-time Super Bowl champ. There’s currently no evidence of that, but the timing is a bit curious.
Cunningham will transition to the role of senior advisor as part of a two-year contract extension with the school. Under his leadership, the Heels finished top 10 in the Director’s Cup 11 times and won 24 national championships across the it’s various team sports.
As for Newmark, he’s been president of RFK Racing for 15 years after spending 12 as a lawyer. He’s a Chapel Hill native who got his education in Virginia, and he was also a member of the advisory committee that oversaw Belichick’s hiring.
North Carolina is clearly going all-in on football with Bill on the sideline. But it’s a big risk considering that he can cut a check for $1 million and leave whenever he so chooses.
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