How will Mack Brown rate vs. other multiple-stint coaches?

ByESPN.COM

November 27, 2018, 9:36 AM

It's official. Mack Brown is returning to UNC, where he coached from 1988 to 1997 and led the Tar Heels to a 69-46-1 record and six bowl appearances.

Brown first came to UNC from Tulane, and, after consecutive 1-10 finishes, finished 6-4-1 in 1990 -- then never finished with a record below .500 for the rest of his tenure in Chapel Hill.

After leading the Tar Heels to back-to-back 10 win seasons in 1996 and 1997, Brown left for Texas, where he coached from 1998 to 2013 and won a national title when the Longhorns upset USC in the Rose Bowl to end the 2005 season.

Brown, who has spent the past five years as an analyst for ESPN, wouldn't be the first football coach this year to go from analyzing teams on ESPN to rejoining an old team on the sideline. Jon Gruden returned to the Raiders this year -- and now sits at 2-9. It's been a mixed bag for coaches returning to teams they've already coached.

NFL

Jon Gruden, Oakland Raiders (1998-2001, 2018-present)

While he was away: The Raiders went to the Super Bowl in the first year post-Gruden but were awful in the years that followed. From 2003 to 2015, Oakland made the playoffs a whopping zero times, cycling through nine coaches in the process.

When he returned: The hype was real around Gruden's return to the Bay Area. Season 1 of Gruden Round 2 is still in progress, but the results aren't promising -- a 2-9 record, plus the trade of Khalil Mack to the Bears.

Homecoming quote: "It was awesome," Gruden said of his first preseason game back. "I mean, I saw some recognizable faces that had got a little bit older, saw some old friends that mean a lot to me. Like I've said all along, it's a great responsibility. The nostalgia's worn off, so we have to do something with the opportunity."

How it went: TBD --- but the Raiders are struggling, and, with a 2-9 record midway through the season, the playoffs are out of reach.

Joe Gibbs, Washington Redskins (1981-92, 2004-07)

While he was away: The Redskins went through six coaches in 12 years and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season, going 5-11 with Steve Spurrier in the final season, before Gibbs returned.

When he returned: The Redskins went 6-10 in his first season back but were 10-6 the following season, helping bring credibility back to the franchise.

Homecoming quote: "Joe Gibbs helped define what the Washington Redskins stand for: integrity, hard work, determination, winning and championships. Who better to set our strategy and lead the Redskins back to championship glory?" -- owner Dan Snyder

How it went: Gibbs had a 30-34 record in the regular season, two playoff appearances and one playoff victory in his second stint with the team.

Art Shell, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1989-94, 2006)

While he was away: In five full seasons under Shell, the Raiders had a winning record four times. In the 11 seasons he was away, they had only three winning seasons. Of the five head coaches hired after Shell was fired, only one (Gruden) compiled a winning record.

When he returned: Al Davis admitted that he made a mistake firing Shell and gave him another shot. But Shell's Raiders scored only 12 touchdowns on offense in 16 games, and players such as Jerry Porter and Randy Moss voiced their frustrations.

Homecoming quote: "It's coming home; it's coming home to finish what I started. It's like going out into the wilderness, and you travel around, you learn, you gather experience and new ideas, but yet you evolve as a person and as a coach, and I think I've done that." -- Shell, upon his return

How it went: Not well. Shell's return lasted just one season, and the Raiders went 2-14, setting a franchise record for losses and scoring futility.

George Halas, Chicago Bears (1920-29, 1933-42, 1946-55, 1958-67)

While he was away: The Bears won another title in 1932, but Halas took over as coach the following year to cut costs while enduring the Great Depression. While he was serving in the Navy, the Bears won another championship in 1943.

When he returned: Halas' T-formation offense helped the Bears to titles in 1933, 1940 and 1941 upon his first return. He won another championship in his first year back on the sideline in 1946. After a couple years away in the '50s, he returned to coaching for another decade, winning the last of his six championships in 1963.

Homecoming quote: "I suppose I began to realize this in one of our final games last season, when I started rushing after the referee who was pacing off a penalty, and it suddenly dawned on me that I wasn't gaining on him. I began to wonder whether the officials were speeding up or I was slowing down." -- Halas, while announcing his retirement after his last stint

How it went: "Papa Bear" had four stints as head coach of the Bears -- and won at least one championship during each stop -- but after the war, he didn't enjoy the same success as before. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 and retired in 1968. His initials (GSH) still adorn the sleeve of the Bears' jerseys today.

Other notables: Ted Marchibroda, Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts (1975-79, 1992-95); Chuck Knox, Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1973-77, 1992-94); Bud Grant, Minnesota Vikings (1967-83, 1985); Lou Saban, Buffalo Bills (1962-65, 1972-76); Sid Gillman, San Diego Chargers (1960-69, 1971)

NBA

Mike Brown, Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10, 2013-14)

While he was away: LeBron James, who was coming off his second MVP, bolted Cleveland for Miami, and the Cavs missed the playoffs every year Brown was gone, never winning more than 24 games.

When he returned: Brown was rehired by the Cavaliers, replacing Byron Scott, with owner Dan Gilbert saying that firing Brown the first time was a mistake.

Homecoming quote: "It's not something I thought about on a daily basis, but things work in a mysterious way, and I'm excited to have the opportunity again." -- Brown upon being rehired.

How it went: Injuries and reported infighting torpedoed the Cavs, and Brown was fired after a 33-49 season.

Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers (1999-2004, 2005-11)

While he was away: The Lakers had their worst season in 11 years, going 34-48 and missing the playoffs under the combination of Rudy Tomjanovich (who resigned midseason, citing health problems) and Frank Hamblen.

When he returned: The Jackson-Lakers reunion came just 361 days after his departure. Gone was O'Neal, who was traded after a long feud with Bryant.

Homecoming quote: "This is something I never thought could possibly happen. It's a pleasure to come back." -- Jackson, upon his return.

How it went: The Lakers returned to the playoffs in Jackson's first year back, but it took time for them to return to their previous glory. A trip to the Finals in 2008 ended in defeat, but Jackson added two more championship rings, winning back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Don Nelson, Golden State Warriors (1988-95, 2006-10)

While he was away: Webber was traded to the Wizards following his rookie season of 1993-94. After a brief stint with the Knicks, Nelson went on to a highly successful run in Dallas, inheriting one of the worst teams in the league and turning it into a perennial playoff power.

When he returned: Golden State went through eight coaches after Nelson's tenure ended in 1995 -- with none lasting more than two years -- and went 12 straight seasons without a winning record or a playoff berth. Nelson got the Warriors into the playoffs in his first season back.

Homecoming quote: "I'm happy for Nellie. I think this means that the Warriors will finally make the playoffs. Nellie is that good a coach." -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban

How it went: Nelson went 42-40 in his first season back with Golden State, clinching a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season and shocking the top-seeded Mavericks -- the NBA's best regular-season team and Nelson's former employer -- in six games in the first round. It was Golden State's first playoff series win since 1991 and just the third time a No. 8 seed had won an opening-round series. The Warriors missed the playoffs in Nelson's final three seasons on the bench. Nelson never took a team to the NBA Finals, but he won a record 1,335 regular-season games and was voted coach of the year three times during his career.

Other notables: Flip Saunders, Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2005, 2014-15); Lionel Hollins, Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies (1999-2000, 2004, 2009-13); Paul Silas, Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats (1999-2002, 2010-12); Kevin McHale, Minnesota Timberwolves (2005, 2008-09); Brian Hill, Orlando Magic (1993-97, 2005-07); Dick Motta, Dallas Mavericks (1980-87, 1994-96); Cotton Fitzsimmons, Phoenix Suns (1970-72, 1988-92, 1996); Bernie Bickerstaff, Seattle SuperSonics (1985-89, 1989-90); Mike Fratello, Atlanta Hawks (1981, 1983-90); Gene Shue, Baltimore/Washington Bullets (1966-73, 1980-86) and San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1978-79, 1987-89); Lenny Wilkens, Seattle SuperSonics (1969-72, 1977-85); Red Holzman, New York Knicks (1967-77, 1978-82)

MLB

John Gibbons, Toronto Blue Jays (2004-08, 2013-2018)

While he was away: Cito Gaston, who helped the Jays win back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, replaced Gibbons. The Blue Jays finished in fourth place in the AL East each season Gibbons was gone. Gibbons, meanwhile, served as a bench coach for the Royals for two seasons.

When he returned: Toronto had not made the playoffs since its 1993 World Series win, but the Blue Jays increased their win total in each of Gibbons' first three years back and have reached the playoffs twice since he returned.

Homecoming quote: "I don't know that there was anybody better in terms of managing a bullpen, connecting with the players, connecting with the front office, holding players accountable." -- Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos

How it went: The Jays won the AL East in 2015, making it to the ALCS, in which they lost to the Royals in six games. They returned to the ALCS the following season and fell to the Indians in five games. Gibbons struggled thereafter, and was not retained after a 73-89 campaign in 2018.

Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves (1978-1981, 1990-2010)

While he was away: Joe Torre took over in 1982 and led the Braves to their first division title since 1969 but was fired after the 1984 season. The team steadily declined from there, culminating in a 106-loss season in 1988. Cox went on to manage the Blue Jays, who steadily improved under his guidance and reached the ALCS in 1985, falling in seven games to the Royals.

When he returned: After serving as GM of the Braves since 1986, Cox named himself manager in 1990. The Braves, who had been down and out, were about to see their fortunes change.

Homecoming quote: "Bobby is probably the most qualified person, not just in this organization, but anywhere. He also has the best feel for this team since he largely is the one most responsible for putting it together." -- Team president Stan Kasten

How it went: Let's say the second time was a charm. The Braves went from last place to first and went to the World Series in 1991, falling in seven games to the Twins. They won the division a record 14 straight times between 1991 and 2005, winning the NL pennant five times in that span and adding a World Series championship in 1995. A four-time manager of the year, Cox retired with the fourth-most wins (2,504 and 2,149 with the Braves) by a manager in 2010 and entered the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Billy Martin, New York Yankees (1975-78, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1988)

NHL

Ken Hitchcock, Dallas Stars (1995-2002, 2017-18)

While he was away: Hitchcock went on to coach the Flyers, Blue Jackets and Blues, accumulating nine playoff appearances and two trips to the conference finals. The Stars made it to the playoffs in each of the next five seasons, reaching the conference finals in 2007-08, but they have made it to the postseason only twice since.

When he returned: Optimism was the word. Hitchcock said he saw "something special" in this team, but it didn't pan out. The Stars went 42-32-8, finished sixth in the Central and missed the playoffs.

Homecoming quote: "First of all, this is an emotional day for me because this is like coming home. This means the world for me." -- Hitchcock, upon his return

How it went: The excitement about Hitchcock's return didn't translate to success on the ice, as the Stars battled injuries and a rough stretch in the second half of the season and missed the playoffs despite a 92-point season. Hitchcock announced his retirement after the season, finishing with 823 career regular-season wins, good for third-most all time.

Al Arbour, New York Islanders (1973-86, 1988-94, 2007)

While he was away: The Islanders continued their long streak of playoff appearances but lost in the division finals in the 1986-87 season and in the division semifinals in 1987-88.

When he returned: Following a disappointing start to the 1988-89 season, the Islanders fired Terry Simpson, and Arbour returned as head coach. The Islanders went on to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 1973-74 season.

Homecoming quote: ''I never had any thought of coming back as coach, and I did have second thoughts when [GM] Bill [Torrey] asked me. My heart was racing, and it still is.'' -- Arbour, upon his 1988 return

How it went: The Islanders returned to the playoffs in Arbour's first season back but missed out on the postseason the next two years. They made one more deep run under Arbour in 1993, when they fell in the conference finals. Arbour retired after the 1993-94 season but was brought back in 2007 at age 75 to coach his 1,500th game for the Islanders. He is the only coach in NHL history to coach 1,500 games for a team.

Art Ross, Boston Bruins (1924-34, 1936-39, 1942-45)

While he was away: There were rumors that coach Frank Patrick was not as strict on his players as Ross wanted, as well as allegations of heavy drinking on the part of the coach. The Bruins lost both years in the playoffs to the Maple Leafs, and Patrick was fired and Ross returned as head coach. After Ross stepped aside the second time, the Bruins won another Cup in the 1940-41 season under Cooney Weiland.

When he returned: Ross led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup championship in his third season back on the bench. He made it back to the Final in his last stop with the team, but the Bruins were swept by the Red Wings.

Homecoming quote: "His two sons served overseas and had excellent records. I figured anybody who could rear two boys like that must be all right." -- Conn Smythe, on patching up his long-standing feud with Ross

How it went: Ross won a Stanley Cup in his first reunion and made another trip to the Cup Final in his last stint with the Bruins. All told, he coached two Cup winners and reached the Final three other times. Ross was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1949 and retired as GM of the Bruins in 1954. The Art Ross Trophy is given to the leading scorer in the regular season.

Other notables: Randy Carlyle, Anaheim Ducks (2005-12, 2016-current); Claude Julien, Montreal Canadiens (2003-06, 2016-current); Michel Therrien, Montreal Canadiens (2000-03, 2012-17); Ted Nolan, Buffalo Sabres (1995-97, 2013-15); Jacques Lemaire, New Jersey Devils (1993-98, 2009-11); Larry Robinson, New Jersey Devils (2000-02, 2005); Glen Sather, Edmonton Oilers (1976-89, 1993-94); Harry Sinden, Boston Bruins (1966-70, 1979-80, 1984-85); Cecil Hart, Montreal Canadiens (1926-32, 1936-39); Newsy Lalonde, Montreal Canadiens (1917-22, 1932-35)

College football

Randy Edsall, Connecticut Huskies (1999-2010, 2017-present)

While he was away: UConn went through three coaches and six consecutive losing seasons. The Huskies had one bowl appearance after the 2015 season, albeit in a 6-7 year under Bob Diaco. Edsall had only two winning seasons at Maryland and was fired after a 2-4 start in 2015.

When he returned: Edsall, who was the career leader in wins at UConn with 74 and had five bowl appearances in 12 seasons, agreed to a five-year contract and apologized for the way he left the program. There was also controversy after he returned about the late withdrawal of a scholarship offer and a violation of state nepotism laws when he hired his son.

Homecoming quote: "Almost six years ago, I made one of the worst decisions in terms of how I left the University of Connecticut. That is something I have to live with, and I've lived with. I'm not perfect. Everybody makes a mistake. I regret it. It's something that has weighed heavily on me over the years, and I just hope that I will be able to earn the trust back from all the wonderful fans." -- Edsall, upon his return

How it went: UConn went 3-9 (2-6 in AAC) in Edsall's first season back. Edsall helped take UConn from the FCS to FBS and all the way to the Fiesta Bowl in his first tenure and faces another tall task in his second stint. The Huskies went 1-11 in 2018, setting a number of marks for defensive futility.

Bill Snyder, Kansas State (1989-2005, 2009-present)

While he was away: The Wildcats had one winning season and one bowl appearance (a loss in the Texas Bowl) under Ron Prince, a period during which K-State renamed its football stadium Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Prince was fired near the end of the 2008 season.

When he returned: After going 6-6 in his first season back, Snyder has led K-State to eight straight bowl games, including a trip to the Fiesta Bowl after the 2012 season. The Wildcats started that season 10-0 and were ranked No. 1 until a loss to Baylor. Snyder was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. He is coming off an 8-5 season and a win in the Cactus Bowl.

Homecoming quote: "This is not just a Bill Snyder thing. This is a family thing and a Wildcat family thing. We need everybody to be involved in caring, and in a genuine and a real way. I'm just pleased to be here with them again." -- Snyder, upon his return

How it went: Though Snyder went 5-7 in 2018, his magic has made K-State relevant again. Kansas State was 299-510 in 93 years of play before he took over the first time and had been to one bowl game. The Wildcats had not won a conference title since 1934, had only two winning seasons in the previous 34 years and were riding a 27-game winless streak. Under Snyder, they have been to 19 bowl games. K-State has had only one season under .500 since Snyder returned.

Bobby Petrino, Louisville (2003-06, 2014-present)

While he was away: With the Falcons at the bottom of the NFC South at 3-10, Petrino abruptly resigned to take a job as the head coach at Arkansas, where he spent four seasons before being fired after a motorcycle accident that revealed an inappropriate relationship with a university staffer. Meanwhile at Louisville, the Cardinals floundered under Steve Kragthorpe for three seasons but eventually built back up under Charlie Strong, who spent four seasons there and went 11-2 in 2012 and 12-1 in 2013.

When he returned: Following his stint at Arkansas and one year at Western Kentucky, Petrino returned to Louisville after Strong took the head-coaching job at Texas. Petrino signed a seven-year, $24.5 million deal.

Homecoming quote: "I made mistakes, both professionally and personally. "That's something I'm not going to do again. ... My first mistake was leaving here." -- Petrino, upon his return

How it went: Louisville went 36-26 in Petrino's second stint, but was fired amid a 2-8 season in 2018 that also included an 0-7 record in the ACC.

Other notables: Clay Helton, USC (2013-interim, 2015-present); Dennis Franchione, Texas State (1990-91, 2011-15); Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin (1990-2005, 2012, 2014); Bo Pelini, Nebraska (2003-interim, 2008-14); Mike Riley, Oregon State (1997-98, 2003-14); Chris Ault, Nevada (1976-92, 1994-95, 2004-12); Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee (1992-interim, 1993-2008); Dennis Erickson, Idaho (1982-85, 2006); John Robinson, USC (1976-82, 1993-97); Johnny Majors, Pittsburgh (1973-76, 1993-96); Bill Walsh, Stanford (1977-78, 1992-94); Frank Leahy, Notre Dame (1941-43, 1946-53); Robert Neyland, Tennessee (1926-34, 1936-40, 1946-52); Walter Camp, Stanford (1892, 1894-95)

College basketball

Billy Tubbs, Lamar Cardinals (1976-80, 2003-06)

While he was away: Lamar's success continued under Pat Foster, who made two NCAA tourney trips in his six years at the helm. Things didn't go as well from there, as Lamar went through five coaches after Foster's exit and made only one postseason appearance. Meanwhile, Tubbs took over an OU team that had one NCAA tournament win in 33 years. By 1985, the Sooners were a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. In 1988, they made it to the national title game. He went on to have a fairly successful run at TCU as well before returning to Lamar.

When he returned: Lamar hadn't won the Southland in 12 years and hadn't made it to the NCAA Tournament since 2000. The Cardinals went 11-18 in Tubbs' first season back. It was Tubbs' first losing season since his first year at Oklahoma.

Homecoming quote: "My athletic director feels we should be winning the conference and going to the NCAA playoffs, or he'll fire my butt." -- Tubbs, who was also Lamar's AD at the time

How it went: After a rare losing season in his first year back, Tubbs led Lamar to an 18-11 record in 2004-05 and a 17-14 record in 2005-06. Tubbs resigned as head coach in 2006 after putting together a 641-340 career record but remained as athletic director. He retired in 2011.

Lou Carnesecca, St. John's (1965-70, 1973-92)

While he was away: St. John's went 56-27 under Frank Mulzoff and made one tournament appearance. Carnesecca led the 1971-72 Nets to the ABA Finals, in which they lost to the Indiana Pacers.

When he returned: Carnesecca led St. John's to at least 20 wins in each of his first seven seasons back and advanced to the Elite Eight in the 1978-79 season. The team made it to the Sweet 16 in 1983 and reached the Final Four in 1985, with Chris Mullin and Mark Jackson leading the way.

Homecoming quote: "The pros were a great experience for me. I heartily believe that all college coaches should spend one year in the pros. It's a great eye-opener, especially for those who have Napoleonic tendencies." -- Carnesecca, upon his return

How it went: Carnesecca went 422-165 in his second tenure at St. John's, posting 15 20-win seasons (including two 30-win campaigns in 1985 and '86) and reaching the NCAA tournament 15 times. Carnesecca retired after the 1991-92 season, one year after St. John's reached the Elite Eight again. Overall, he averaged more than 20 wins per season for his career and compiled a 526-200 record (18 20-win seasons). St. John's reached the postseason in each of his 24 seasons (18 NCAAs and six NITs). Carnesecca was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.

Phog Allen, Kansas Jayhawks (1907-09, 1919-56)

While he was away: W.O. Hamilton took the helm and led Kansas to an 18-1 record in his first season. After going 33-2 in two seasons from 1913 to 1915, Hamilton's Jayhawks settled into mediocrity, and after a 7-9 season in 1918-19, Allen returned as Kansas' head coach.

When he returned: From 1921 to 1927, Allen's teams never lost more than three games and finished atop the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association each season. Kansas had the best record in its conference 11 times in 13 years from 1930 to 1943 and finished as NCAA runners-up in 1939-40. Under Allen, who played a key role in the creation of the NCAA tournament, the Jayhawks were national champions in 1951-52 and finished as runners-up the following season.

Homecoming quote: Allen, when told by Naismith that basketball couldn't be coached: "Well, you can certainly teach free throwing. And you can teach the boys to pass at angles and run in curves."

How it went: Allen posted 33 winning seasons in his second run at Kansas and retired with a 746-264 record, which at the time was the record for most coaching wins in college basketball history. During his tenure with the Jayhawks, Allen coached Dutch Lonborg, Adolph Rupp, Ralph Miller and Dean Smith -- all future Hall of Fame coaches. He also helped get basketball accepted as an Olympic sport in 1936 and coached the U.S. to the gold medal in the 1952 Summer Games. Allen was part of the inaugural class in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, and Allen Fieldhouse is named in his honor.

Other notables: Dave Leitao, DePaul Blue Demons (2002-05, 2015-present); Norm Sloan, Florida Gators (1960-66, 1980-89); Joe Lapchick, St. John's (1936-47, 1956-65)