Charlotte, North Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Mike Hill has been removed from his position as the athletic director for the Charlotte 49ers, effective immediately. This decision by UNC Charlotte aims to adapt to the changing landscape of college athletics. During his seven-year tenure, Hill oversaw a significant increase in the athletics budget, though the football program struggled with poor performance. The university is now in search of a new athletic director to lead the department amid ongoing transformations in collegiate sports.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Mike Hill is no longer the athletic director for the Charlotte 49ers, effective immediately. The announcement was made by UNC Charlotte on Thursday, signaling a significant change in leadership as the university seeks a “new approach” to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics.
Hill had been with the program for seven years, having joined in February 2018. His tenure has seen the athletics budget increase from approximately $29 million to $49 million. Despite this growth, the Charlotte 49ers football program has struggled, posting a 1-5 record this season and an overall 26-47 record during Hill’s time as athletic director. The program only made one bowl game appearance in 2019, highlighting ongoing challenges within the football department.
During his time at UNC Charlotte, Hill hired three of the four head football coaches for the program since its inception in 2013. In addition, he brought in men’s basketball coach Aaron Fearne, who led the men’s basketball program to a 90-91 record. Hill had signed a four-year contract extension in September 2024, which would have lasted until June 30, 2030.
Following Hill’s departure, Jesh Humphrey, the vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel, will oversee the athletics department on an interim basis. Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber expressed gratitude to Hill for his service and highlighted his contributions to the program, including the successful move to the American Conference in 2023 and the hiring of head football coach Tim Albin.
The university is actively searching for a new athletic director to lead the department but has not set a timeline for this hiring process. Gaber emphasized that the decision to part ways with Hill is not driven by the performance of any specific team, but rather by broader strategic considerations focused on the future direction of the athletics program.
Hill expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program, thanking the university community for their support throughout his tenure.
Context of the Change
The changes in leadership at UNC Charlotte come at a time when college athletics is undergoing significant transformations. With shifts in conference alignments and increasing financial pressures, universities are re-evaluating their athletic programs to ensure they can compete effectively in this new landscape. The search for a new athletic director will likely focus on candidates who can adapt to these changes and drive the athletic programs forward.
Key Statistics
- Budget increase from $29 million to $49 million
- Football team’s record: 1-5 this season, 26-47 overall
- One bowl game appearance during Hill’s tenure in 2019
- Men’s basketball record: 90-91
- Contract extension until June 30, 2030
FAQs
What position did Mike Hill hold?
Mike Hill was the athletic director for the Charlotte 49ers.
When did Mike Hill’s tenure as athletic director begin?
Hill joined in February 2018.
What was the athletics budget under Mike Hill’s leadership?
The athletics budget increased from approximately $29 million to $49 million.
What were the football program’s records during Hill’s time?
The football program has a record of 1-5 this season and a 26-47 record overall during Hill’s tenure.
What will happen after Mike Hill’s departure?
Jesh Humphrey will oversee the athletics department on an interim basis.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Athletic Director | Mike Hill |
| Tenure Start Date | February 2018 |
| Budget Increase | $29 million to $49 million |
| Football Record | 1-5 this season, 26-47 overall |
| Bowl Game Appearances | One in 2019 |
| Men’s Basketball Record | 90-91 |
| Contract Extension Reach | Until June 30, 2030 |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers Official Site
- Axios Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: College Athletics in the United States
Author: HERE Charlotte
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