<P> Carlos Alan Autry Jr. ( also known for a period of time as Carlos Brown ; born July 31 , 1952 ) , is an American actor , politician , and former National Football League player . During his brief football career , he was known as Carlos Brown . He played the role of Captain Bubba Skinner on the NBC television series , In the Heat of the Night , starring Carroll O'Connor . He has also appeared in films and other television shows . In November 2000 , he was elected mayor of Fresno , California , and served for two four - year terms through January 2009 . In 2008 , Autry was hosting a radio news talk show on KYNO AM 940 in Fresno , but left the station in 2011 . </P>
who played bubba in the heat of the night
Carlos Alan Autry Jr. ( also known for a period of time as Carlos Brown