North Carolina hires AD-in-waiting, Bubba Cunningham to take advisory role in '26

Field Level Media|published: Tue 1st July, 11:12 2025

North Carolina Athletics Director Lawrence R. "Bubba" Cunningham, left, chats with Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

North Carolina announced a transition plan Tuesday that will allow athletic director Bubba Cunningham to work with his replacement-in-waiting through the end of the upcoming academic year before moving into an advisory role created for him.

Hired in 2011, Cunningham will work directly with his replacement starting in August. RFK Racing president Steve Newmark was named executive associate athletic director effective Aug. 15. Newmark will succeed Cunningham as athletic director in the summer of 2026.

Cunningham signed a contract extension through 2029. His new title will be senior advisor to the chancellor and athletic director, which a university news release said will "allow Cunningham to focus his vast expertise on transformational University projects that will position the University and Carolina Athletics successfully for the future."

"As part of my last contract extension, I committed to working with University leadership on a succession plan that would positively position Carolina athletics and our 28 teams for the future," Cunningham said in the school-issued release. "I appreciate the opportunity to extend my contract and enhance my role in a way that will allow me to continue to support our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff as we transition and navigate the changing athletics landscape. I am excited for the future."

Since Cunningham took over as AD in 2011, the Tar Heels have won 24 national championships, participated in 11 college football bowl games, three College World Series and three men's Final Four runs.

Newmark, who is from Chapel Hill, was on the advisory committee that selected head coach Bill Belichick to lead the football program.

"Like many passionate Tar Heel fans, avidly following UNC athletics has represented a special and unique bond with my family and friends since childhood, and I recognize the role it serves for the University, alumni, community and broader fanbase," Newmark said. "I look forward to working with Bubba and the entire Tar Heel Nation to continue to elevate UNC's status as a premier brand in college sports."

Newmark has a legal background and his resume includes work with the NCAA and Southeastern Conference when he was a partner at the Charlotte-based law firm Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson. The William & Mary and Virginia School of Law grad has been president of RFK Racing since 2010.

--Field Level Media