North Carolina announced a transition plan Tuesday that will allow athletic director Bubba Cunningham to work with his replacement-in-waiting through the end of the upcoming academic year before moving into an advisory role created for him.Hired in 2011, Cunningham will work directly with his replacement starting in August. RFK Racing president Steve Newmark was named executive associate athletic director effective Aug. 15. Newmark will succeed Cunningham as athletic director in the summer of 2026.Cunningham signed a contract extension through 2029. His new title will be senior advisor to the chancellor and athletic director, which a university news release said will “allow Cunningham to focus his vast expertise on transformational University projects that will position the University and Carolina Athletics successfully for the future.””As part of my last contract extension, I committed to working with University leadership on a succession plan that would positively position Carolina athletics and our 28 teams for the future,” Cunningham said in the school-issued release. “I appreciate the opportunity to extend my contract and enhance my role in a way that will allow me to continue to support our outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff as we transition and navigate the changing athletics landscape. I am excited for the future.”Since Cunningham took over as AD in 2011, the Tar Heels have won 24 national championships, participated in 11 college football bowl games, three College World Series and three men’s Final Four runs.