UNC hires NBA champion Michael Malone as head coach
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- UNC announced the hiring of NBA champion Michael Malone as its next head coach on Tuesday.
- Michael Malone brings a 10‑year tenure as Denver Nuggets head coach, including a 2023 NBA championship and a 471‑327 record over 12 seasons.
- Michael Malone spent the past 10‑plus months as an ESPN analyst after being fired by Denver in April 2023, and has not coached college since a 2001 assistant role at Manhattan.
- UNC had been linked to high‑profile college coaches Dusty May, Tommy Lloyd, and T.J. Otzelberger, but all three publicly committed to staying at their schools, prompting the move to Malone.
- Hubert Davis was fired on March 24 after a first‑round NCAA tournament loss to VCU, ending a five‑year tenure with a 125‑54 record.
- Michael Malone said he is honored to follow UNC legends Michael Jordan and Roy Williams, emphasizing a commitment to continue the program’s championship legacy and prepare players for professional careers.
Why it matters: UNC gains a coach with NBA championship pedigree and a proven X‑and‑O reputation, potentially boosting recruiting and player development for professional careers, while Hubert Davis loses his position after a disappointing tournament exit, marking a strategic pivot toward a more pro‑style coaching approach.
