Steve Newmark, who has been the president of RFK Racing since 2010, will be the new athletic director at the University of North Carolina when Bill Belichick is in his second year
07:52 ET, 02 Jul 2025Updated 07:53 ET, 02 Jul 2025
Bill Belichick is ready for his first season at North Carolina(Image: Getty Images)
Bill Belichick is preparing to lead UNC into the new College Football season in the coming months, but will only work with his current athletic director for his first year – with the university having hired a new boss for 2026.
On Monday, it was announced that UNC had hired Steve Newmark, who has been the team president of Roush Fenway Keselowski NASCAR team since 2010. Belichick is preparing to lead UNC into the new season on September 1, having seen his tenure in North Carolina plagued by off-field issues so far.
His relationship with Jordon Hudson, who recently hit out at Belichick’s ex, has been the dominant story ever since his fateful interview with CBS, which forced Belichick to explain to university officials why she had been at the taping.
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A Chapel Hill local, Newmark will step into his role as executive associate athletics director on August 15, creating a vacancy at RFK Racing.
Bubba Chandler, who has been at the helm of Tar Heels’ athletics since 2011, will be succeeded by Newmark. Chandler is transitioning to a new role as senior advisor to the chancellor and AD.
Under Chandler’s leadership, UNC clinched 24 of its 63 national titles. “I look forward to working with Bubba and the entire Tar Heel Nation to continue to elevate UNC’s status as a premier brand in college sports with top-tier programs across the board and with student-athletes who represent North Carolina’s flagship institution with class, on and off their respective playing fields,” Newmark stated.
Steve Newmark served as RFK Racing team president since 2010(Image: Getty Images)
“RFK Racing extends its deepest gratitude to Steve Newmark for his remarkable leadership, vision, and steadfast dedication over the past 15 years,” the RFK Racing team expressed in a release.
“Steve has been instrumental in shaping the culture, growth, and success of our organization and his impact will be felt well into the future.”
“While we are saddened to him step away from his role as president later this summer, we fully support his decision and are grateful, he will remain engaged through the transition.
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“We wish Steve continues success at the University of North Carolina, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation he’s provided.”
RFK Racing currently fields three drivers in the Cup Series: Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Ryan Preece.
UNC brought in Bill Belichick after the six-time Super Bowl winning coach took a year off from football in 2024. The NFL icon will begin his College Football journey on September 1 against TCU.
Belichick is preparing to take charge of his first season at the collegiate level in 2025
Since being hired, much of the narrative around Belichick has been his relationship with Jordon Hudson, who has been at his side for most public appearances since the pair confirmed their relationship.
Recently, emails released by UNC after a freedom of information request found that Belichick had defended his relationship with the 24-year-old after the school received complaints.