Three years ago, Larry Fedora took North Carolina to an ACC Championship game, and finished the 2015 season with an 11-3 record. Two years later, after another winning season, he was awarded a contract extension through 2023.
But on Sunday, after a 2-9 season, Fedora was fired.
Because Fedora was fired "without cause," the university will owe him the remainder of his contract, which is a little more than $12.2 million. It will be paid to him over the next four years.
Under the terms of his contract, if Fedora were to land another job as a coach or TV commentator, the amount UNC owed him would be reduced by the salary in his new job.
Those funds will be paid by the Department of Athletics and not through state funds, UNC said in a press release.
Athletic director Bubba Cunningham said he consulted with the Board of Trustees and UNC chancellor Carol L. Folt about the decision. He said he met with Fedora on Sunday morning.
"We appreciate all that Larry Fedora has done for us over the last seven years _ coming to Carolina in the midst of an NCAA case and bringing stability to our football program when we most needed it," Cunningham said in a statement. "Despite injuries, despite setbacks and hardships, Larry never made excuses. He focused his teams on overcoming adversity, and I deeply respect the way he persevered and led our program each day with integrity through some tough times. This was not an easy decision because of the deep affinity I have for Larry. It simply is time to take our football program in a new direction."
Cunningham informed the players that Fedora was fired in an email Sunday morning. Cunningham was expected to meet with the team at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
Fedora, in a statement, said it was a "great honor" to have coached at UNC and disappointing not to be returning,
"I hate that it had to end this way," he said. "The last two seasons have been challenging and heartbreaking. The results are not what we wanted and it has been frustrating for everyone involved _ coaches, athletes, fans and supporters alike. The results did not reflect the commitment and hard work put in by our players and staff. The players never quit _ ever. That speaks to the character of this team and this great University.
"I wanted the opportunity to fix this. I wanted to make the changes necessary to win again. I also understand this business. I understand that you don't always get the time you want to turn things around. I respect the administration's position and understand their actions."
Fedora, who spent seven seasons as the Tar Heels' head coach, had a 45-43 overall record, and 28-28 in ACC play. It was Fedora's final two years at the program, though, that likely cost him his job.
The Tar Heels finished 3-9 in 2017, and 2-9 this past season. UNC's final loss of the season came to its rival N.C. State in overtime 34-28 on Saturday.
Over the last two seasons, the Tar Heels are 2-14 against the ACC, including four losses _ two each _ to Duke and N.C. State.
Earlier this month, Cunningham said in an interview with The News & Observer that he would evaluate Fedora's performance after the season. But he said he did not want to speculate on the seventh-year coach's future.
"I don't engage in any speculation," Cunningham said. "At the end of the year I evaluate our program from top to bottom and I'll do that with coach at the end of the year."
When asked how he evaluates a program and its coach, Cunningham said: "It's everything you do from recruiting, to game day, to the environment you create, to the atmosphere that you provide."
