Mack Brown told reporters on Monday that quarterback Drake Maye turned down a substantial amount of money to return to Chapel Hill in 2023.

Earlier this month, Maye announced that he would be returning to North Carolina for next season. His announcement shut down persistent transfer rumors that had followed Maye over the previous few weeks.

According to Brown, Maye rejected “a whole lot of money” to remain a Tar Heel. Brown said other programs were “tampering” with Maye this offseason.

Maye does have deep family ties to North Carolina. His father, Mark Maye, played quarterback for the Tar Heels in the 1980’s. His older brother, Luke Maye, played basketball for the Tar Heels.

Maye broke multiple freshman records during his standout season in 2022. He was named ACC Player of the Year and is expected to be a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Tar Heels went 9-3 this season and won the ACC Coastal title. If they win their bowl game, they will have 10 wins in a season for the first time since 2015.

North Carolina will face Oregon in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28.