North Carolina has announced the appointment of Steve Newmark, President of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, as the new athletic director, succeeding Bubba Cunningham. Newmark will begin as executive associate athletic director next month, with a particular focus on driving revenue in football and both men’s and women’s basketball. He is set to fully transition into the athletic director role in the summer of 2026.
Bubba Cunningham, who will take on the role of senior adviser to Newmark and Chancellor Lee Roberts, has received a two-year contract extension through July 2029. This strategic move comes as North Carolina aims to adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, particularly with the advent of new revenue-sharing models.
Cunningham emphasized the importance of this succession plan, stating, “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 expressed enthusiasm about continuing to support the athletic program’s growth and success during this transitional period.
Newmark, a Chapel Hill native, brings substantial experience to his new role, having spent the last 15 years leading RFK Racing. His prior experience includes being a partner at a law firm in Charlotte, working closely with the SEC, Conference USA, and the NCAA. Notably, he also served on the advisory committee that assisted in hiring NFL coach Bill Belichick.
In his statement, Newmark expressed his commitment to elevating UNC’s prominence in college sports and fostering success for its student-athletes. He acknowledged the rapid changes occurring in collegiate athletics, affirming that UNC is well positioned to thrive in this challenging environment.
Cunningham was appointed in November 2011, during which time North Carolina has celebrated success, including 24 national championships and 11 Top 10 finishes in the Learfield Directors Cup, with a remarkable No. 4 ranking for the 2024-25 season, matching its best performance in the last 16 years.
This leadership change presents an opportunity for North Carolina to aim for even greater achievements in the future while adapting to the changing dynamics of college athletics.