The University of North Carolina is making major leadership moves in its athletic department. On Tuesday, the school announced a succession plan that names Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, as the next athletic director.
Steve Newmark will first join as Executive Associate Athletic Director starting next month. He will focus on boosting revenue in key sports like football and men’s and women’s basketball. By summer 2026, he will officially take over as UNC’s Athletic Director.
Meanwhile, longtime AD Bubba Cunningham isn’t leaving just yet. He received a two-year contract extension through July 2029. Starting in 2026, he’ll move into a new role as Senior Adviser to Newmark and UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts.
Why the Change Now?
With college athletics entering a new era of revenue sharing, UNC says this is the right time to prepare for the future. In a statement, Cunningham shared:
“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.”
He also added that he’s excited to support UNC’s student-athletes, coaches, and staff during this transition.
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Who Is Steve Newmark?
Steve Newmark is no stranger to leadership. A Chapel Hill native, he has been president of RFK Racing for the past 15 years. Before joining the racing world, he worked as a partner at a Charlotte-based law firm. He had experience working with major sports organizations like the SEC, Conference USA, and the NCAA.
He even played a role on the advisory committee that helped hire Bill Belichick.
In his statement, 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… UNC is well positioned to take advantage of the new landscape.”
Cunningham’s Legacy at UNC
Since becoming athletic director in November 2011, Cunningham has had an impressive run:
- 24 National Championships
- 11 Top 10 finishes in the Learfield Directors’ Cup
- Tied for 4th place in 2024-25 — one of UNC’s best showings in the last 16 years
With these big moves, UNC is clearly focused on maintaining its powerhouse status in college sports.
