UNC Charlotte has appointed Mike Hill, the Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at the University of Florida, as the school’s next director of athletics. Hill will succeed Judy Rose, who’s retiring after a 43-year career with the program.
Rose started her career at UNC Charlotte in 1975 as the women’s basketball coach. She moved on to athletics administration in the 1980s. By the time she was named athletic director in 1990, Rose was one of only three women to lead an NCAA Division 1 program. Her tenure included the addition of football, which began play in 2013.
Rose has been heavily criticized this year by 49ers fans, particularly in regard to men’s basketball and football. She fired men’s basketball coach Mark Price on Dec 14 after a 3-6 season start. The team is currently 5-22 with a 14-game losing streak. Rose also made the decision to retain football coach Brad Lambert after a 1-11 season in 2017.
When Hill begins his job March 15, he will be tasked with determining the direction of the program, and assessing Lambert and interim basketball coach Houston Fancher.
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois is confident Hill will rise to the occasion. Dubois cited Hill’s 25 years of experience at the University of Florida a factor in the decision to hire him.
“Mike has a deep background in a highly successful athletic program from a ‘Power Five’ conference,” Dubois said in a statement. “He has played lead roles in hiring and working with highly successful head coaches, negotiating multi-million dollar media agreements and facilities naming rights, and being on point in external relations for the Gators.”
Hill said he’s excited to get started.
"I am completely humbled by this opportunity to lead the Charlotte 49ers,” said Hill. “The campus and facilities are spectacular, but what impresses me most are the people. I can't wait to return to the city that has so many special memories for me and get to work."
Hill will be introduced at a news conference on Tuesday, March 6.
