Why One Tar Heel Legend Refused to Walk Away After UNC’s Coaching Shakeup
When the winds of change swept through Chapel Hill last December, no one would have been surprised if Natrone Means had decided to pack his bags. The beloved former North Carolina running back — remembered by fans as one of the most punishing rushers in program history — found himself in the middle of a coaching shakeup after head coach Mack Brown was fired. For many assistants, it was a moment to reconsider loyalties, explore opportunities elsewhere, and secure long-term stability.
But for Means, the decision was surprisingly simple. He stayed.
“I never wanted to leave,” Means explained, echoing the same pride and passion he displayed on the field during his playing days. “This place has always been home to me.”
A North Carolina native who grew up dreaming of wearing Carolina blue, Means has always carried his Tar Heel identity like a badge of honor. His bond with the program is more than professional — it’s deeply personal. While some assistants chose new paths after the changes at the top, Means viewed the uncertainty as a chance to double down on his commitment to the university that shaped his career and his life.
To fans, his choice represents more than just a coaching decision. It’s a statement of loyalty, one that resonates in an era where the coaching carousel often spins with little regard for tradition or legacy. In a sport defined by constant turnover, Means’ steady presence offers reassurance — a reminder that some ties run too deep to be broken by circumstance.
For the Tar Heels, keeping a figure like Means on staff is invaluable. Not only does he bring credibility and experience from his NFL career, but he also serves as a bridge between past and present, showing recruits and current players what it truly means to represent UNC. His decision to stay could prove pivotal as the program moves forward under new leadership, ensuring that the Carolina standard endures no matter who holds the whistle at the top.
“I’ve always believed in this place,” Means said. “And I still do.”
In a season of transition, his words carry weight. As the Tar Heels prepare for a new era, they do so knowing that one of their legends is still on the sidelines, refusing to walk away when the program needed him most.
