Charlotte, North Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
UNC Charlotte has terminated Mike Hill as athletic director after a significant shift in its athletics program. The decision comes as the university seeks new leadership amidst ongoing challenges in college sports, including team performances. Jesh Humphrey has been named interim athletic director while the search for a permanent replacement begins, focusing on future competitiveness and strategic growth for the athletics department.
Charlotte, North Carolina – UNC Charlotte Fires Athletic Director Mike Hill Amid Strategic Shift in College Sports
UNC Charlotte has terminated Mike Hill as athletic director, effective immediately, following a significant shift in the university’s approach to its athletics program. The decision was publicly announced on Thursday, just 13 months after Hill had signed a four-year contract extension to continue in his role. Hill had overseen the 49ers’ athletics department for the past seven years.
In the aftermath of Hill’s termination, Jesh Humphrey, the vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel, has been appointed as the interim athletic director while the search for a permanent replacement begins. The university justified Hill’s dismissal by indicating the need for a new direction amidst the “rapidly evolving business, regulatory, and competitive landscape of higher education athletics.”
During his tenure, Hill faced various challenges, particularly related to the performance of both the football and men’s basketball programs. The Charlotte football team recorded a 26-47 win-loss record under his leadership and is currently 1-5 this season after hiring Tim Albin as head coach. Additionally, the men’s basketball team finished with a 90-91 record throughout Hill’s time as director. These results contributed to the growing criticism of his leadership.
Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber acknowledged Hill’s commitment and contributions to the university, including facilitating the transition of the athletics program to the American Athletic Conference and hiring a new head football coach. Gaber emphasized the importance of strategic growth and adaptability in light of the current challenges facing college athletics.
The university’s decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing issues in college sports, including navigating name, image, and likeness compensation for athletes and conference realignment. Despite Hill’s previous contract, which included a potential financial payout extending through June 30, 2030, university leaders felt that a change was necessary to achieve long-term success and competitiveness in athletics.
Throughout his time at UNC Charlotte, Hill made significant strategic hires, including the recruitment of eight head coaches and an executive athletic director. He expressed gratitude for his time with the university and appreciated the support from the leadership and staff.
As the search for a new athletic director begins, the university has not yet outlined a timeline or process for selecting Hill’s permanent replacement. Instead, it appears to be focused on addressing the current landscape of college athletics to enhance its competitiveness and success in the future.
Key Milestones Under Mike Hill
- Appointment as Athletic Director: (7 years ago)
- Contract Extension: June 2022
- Football Team Record: 26-47 over seven seasons
- Men’s Basketball Record: 90-91
- Transition to American Athletic Conference: 2023
Challenges Faced by the Athletics Department
- Criticism of Football and Men’s Basketball Performance
- Management of Name, Image, and Likeness Compensation Issues
- Conference Realignment Navigation
Upcoming Actions
The university’s administration is expected to work quickly in finding Hill’s replacement to ensure a seamless transition in the athletics program, with an emphasis on addressing the evolving needs of college sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been terminated as athletic director of UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte has terminated Mike Hill as athletic director, effective immediately.
Who will take over as interim athletic director?
Jesh Humphrey, vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel, will serve as interim athletic director.
What was Mike Hill’s win-loss record for football and men’s basketball?
Under Hill’s leadership, the Charlotte football team recorded a 26-47 win-loss record over seven seasons, while the men’s basketball team had a record of 90-91 during Hill’s tenure.
Why was Mike Hill dismissed as athletic director?
The university justified Hill’s dismissal by citing the need for a new approach due to the “rapidly evolving business, regulatory, and competitive landscape of higher education athletics.”
What changes occurred during Mike Hill’s tenure?
Hill was instrumental in overseeing the transition to the American Athletic Conference in 2023 and made various strategic hires, including eight head coaches and an executive athletic director.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Charlotte 49ers Athletic Director Mike Hill Fired
- ESPN: Charlotte Fires Athletic Director Mike Hill
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte 49ers Athletic Director Fired
- The Charlotte Post: Mike Hill Out as Charlotte 49ers Athletics Director
- Hero Sports: Candidates for Charlotte Football Head Coach Replacement
- Wikipedia: Charlotte 49ers
- Google Search: Charlotte 49ers
- Google Scholar: Charlotte 49ers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte 49ers
- Google News: Charlotte 49ers
Author: HERE Charlotte
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