Mack Brown says energy was lacking early vs. Wake; pleased with fight, likes how UNC has responded Posted Sep 16, 2019 What made Appalachian State the choice for your first job? Mack Brown: "I wanted to be a head coach so badly and Steve Sloan and Bill Battle were two of my idols and mentors at that time. They were both young head coaches. I loved the mountains of North Carolina. Growing up in middle Tennessee on lakes and I just fell in love with Appalachian State." (Heels Maven)