CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — On Monday, North Carolina’s football coach, Mack Brown, expressed regret over his reaction to the team’s recent loss against James Madison, admitting he felt “disappointed” in his response.

After suffering a surprising defeat with a score of 70-50 against the Dukes, Brown clarified that any rumors about him considering quitting were misunderstandings. However, he acknowledged how he dealt with his players after the game was inappropriate.

“What I communicated was, ‘If you all don’t believe I’m the leader you need, then I’ll find something else to do,’” Brown remarked during his weekly press briefing.

“The players responded, ‘No, we’re in. Let’s go.’ I regret putting them in that position… If I were going to resign, I would have come and said it directly.”

Brown, who is 73 years old, has no intention of resigning as the Tar Heels gear up to challenge rival Duke (4-0) this Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium, in their annual match for the Victory Bell.

“I’m looking forward to the future. I love my job and care for these players,” Brown stated. “My affection for this place makes losses even harder to bear. I am eager to prepare for the game against Duke this weekend.”

After experiencing the loss against James Madison, the first time an opponent scored 70 points at Kenan Stadium, Brown expressed his apologies to Chancellor Lee Roberts and Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. Both officials conveyed their support and encouragement to him.

“All I can do is apologize and move forward; that’s my approach,” Brown stated. “Did I manage it well? No. Am I aware that I mishandled it? Absolutely, without a doubt. Do I wish I had acted differently? Yes, but I did what I did. I’ll learn from this and won’t repeat it.”

Currently in his sixth season in his second term at North Carolina, Brown is coming off two consecutive seasons with at least eight wins. His overall coaching record is 285-150-1, and he became the active winningest coach in college football after Nick Saban’s retirement.

Upon returning to Chapel Hill, Brown assured his wife, Sally, that he would improve his handling of defeats.

He admitted that he tends to go to a “dark place” following losses, noting that the loss to James Madison left him angrier than any previous game. He aims to better manage his emotions in the future.

“Even at 73,” Brown confided, “you must learn from difficult lessons.”