Charlotte, NC, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has announced the dismissal of athletic director Mike Hill after seven years in the role. The university cited the need for a new strategic approach to better adapt to the changing landscape of higher education athletics. Hill’s tenure included mixed results for sports teams and notable achievements like moving to the American Conference. Following his departure, interim leadership will be provided by Jesh Humphrey while the university searches for a replacement.
Charlotte, NC – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has announced the dismissal of athletic director Mike Hill after seven years in the role. The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon, marking a significant change in the leadership of the school’s athletics program.
Hill was appointed as athletic director in 2016 and had recently signed a four-year extension that would have kept him at the position until 2030. However, the university cited the need for a new strategic approach to adapt to the rapidly evolving business, regulatory, and competitive landscape within higher education athletics as the reason for Hill’s termination.
Throughout Hill’s tenure, the performance of sports teams drew mixed results. The football program ended with a win-loss record of 26-47. Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team recorded a 90-91 record. Hill was responsible for hiring three out of the four head coaches for the football program during his time in leadership, including the current head coach, Tim Albin, who took the position in December 2024.
One of Hill’s notable achievements was facilitating the move of the athletics program to the American Conference in 2023. This transition was seen as a significant step for the university, indicating Hill’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its athletics department. In addition, Hill contributed to the hiring of eight new head coaches as well as a deputy athletic director for external affairs.
Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber emphasized that while Hill made meaningful contributions to the athletics department and was recognized for his deep commitment, the decision to part ways was not reflective of the team’s performance. Instead, the university is focused on adapting to changes in college athletics to ensure competitiveness and sustainability moving forward.
Following Hill’s departure, Jesh Humphrey, the vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel, will take over the athletics department on an interim basis while the university begins its search for Hill’s replacement. UNC Charlotte has not established a timeline for hiring a new athletic director nor specified the characteristics desired in a successor.
This leadership change comes at a time when college athletics is undergoing rapid transformation, and the university is looking to align its goals with these shifts. The need for strategic adaptations is critical to ensure that the athletics program remains viable and competitive on both regional and national levels.
The dismissal of Mike Hill may signify a new chapter for UNC Charlotte athletics, as the university pivots to meet the challenges of the modern landscape of college sports.
FAQ
Who was dismissed from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte?
The Charlotte 49ers announced the termination of athletic director Mike Hill.
How long did Mike Hill serve as athletic director?
Hill had been in the role for seven years.
Why was Mike Hill dismissed?
The university cited the need for a new strategic approach in response to the rapidly evolving business, regulatory, and competitive landscape of higher education athletics.
What were the win-loss records of the football and men’s basketball teams during Hill’s tenure?
The football program recorded a 26-47 win-loss record and the men’s basketball team had a 90-91 record.
Who will oversee the athletics department on an interim basis?
Jesh Humphrey, vice chancellor for institutional integrity and general counsel, will oversee the athletics department on an interim basis.
What was stressed as the reason for the decision, according to Chancellor Gaber?
The university reiterated that the decision to part ways with Hill was not driven by the performance of any specific team, but rather by broader strategic considerations.
Key Features of the Dismissal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Role | Athletic Director |
| Duration | Seven years |
| Win-loss Record (Football) | 26-47 |
| Win-loss Record (Men’s Basketball) | 90-91 |
| Interim Oversight | Jesh Humphrey |
| Reason for Dismissal | Need for a new strategic approach |
| New Athletics Conference | American Conference (2023) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers Official Announcement
- Charlotte Observer: Mike Hill Dismissal
- The Charlotte Post: Mike Hill Out
- ESPN: Charlotte Fires Mike Hill
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
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