The University of North Carolina’s football program has recently made headlines—not for its on-field performance, but for a shake-up in its public relations approach. Enter Brandon Faber, the former director of public relations for the Chicago Bears, who is now bringing his extensive experience to the Tar Heels.
Faber’s hire is notable not only for his impressive resume, which includes over 20 years managing communication for iconic franchises like the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, but also for the unique circumstances that led to his arrival at UNC. While he will officially work directly for the Tar Heels, it’s clear that this move carries echoes of NFL legend Bill Belichick’s influence, as he has been in discussions with Faber for some time.
The urgency for fresh PR expertise became increasingly evident in recent weeks, particularly following an incident that raised eyebrows within both the football program and the broader UNC community. Jordon Hudson, who has been associated with Belichick and has taken on roles that touch on public relations, faced backlash after a softball interview was disrupted. This incident spotlighted the need for a clearer separation of Belichick’s personal brand management from UNC’s image.
Faber has already made his presence felt, having attended last week’s book tour event for Belichick at NYU and appearing on the sidelines during North Carolina’s spring practice finale. His ability to steer the narrative and present a cohesive image for the program will be crucial, especially during what has been a challenging time for UNC’s football PR efforts.
In an interesting twist, just days before Faber’s appointment, UNC issued a statement clarifying that Hudson does not work for the university and will instead focus on managing Belichick’s personal brand outside of his commitments to Carolina Football. This move reflects a strategic pivot as the program seeks to bolster its public perception and navigate recent bumps in the road.
As Faber steps into this pivotal role, the Tar Heels will be looking for more than just damage control. They aim to cultivate a vibrant and positive identity that resonates with fans, recruits, and the broader college football landscape. With Faber’s experience and insight into the high-stakes world of sports PR, he may be just what UNC needs to turn the tide. Keep an eye on this unfolding story; it could shape the narrative for the Carolina football program as it moves forward.
