The University of North Carolina appears close to securing a deal with NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to take charge of the Tar Heels basketball program, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke Monday.
The source provided information to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity since the university has not made any public statements regarding their coaching search. Malone is set to take over from Hubert Davis, who was dismissed on March 24 following five years at the helm after taking over from retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams.
ESPN initially broke the news of UNC’s pursuit of Malone.
At 54 years old, Malone brings 12 seasons of NBA head coaching experience, with a decade of that time spent in Denver. Under his leadership, the Nuggets captured the 2023 NBA championship with three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic leading the charge.
Denver dismissed Malone last spring with just days remaining in the regular season. Nearly one year later, in another unexpected development, Malone stands poised to assume control of one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs, boasting six national championships, a record 21 Final Four appearances, and notable alumni including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Atlantic Coast Conference career scoring record-holder Tyler Hansbrough.
This hiring would give UNC prominent former professional coaches at the helm of both major athletic programs. The Tar Heels brought in six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick to coach football in December 2024. Belichick posted a disappointing 4-8 record in his first season.
The dismissal of Davis created an opening for one of college basketball’s premier positions for just the fourth time since legendary Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith stepped down following 36 seasons in October 1997.
Since then, the position had remained within the “Carolina Family” circle. Long-time assistant Bill Guthridge took over for Smith, followed by former UNC player Matt Doherty, then former Smith assistant Williams, and finally Davis, who both played under Smith and served on Williams’ coaching staff.
Several high-profile candidates including Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, Michigan’s Dusty May, and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan — who guided Florida to NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007 — had been connected to the opening since Davis’ departure. Lloyd confirmed Friday at the Final Four that he would remain with the Wildcats while commending UNC for “the way they’ve handled this.”
Just three days following that announcement, the search has taken an unforeseen turn toward Malone, who lacks college head coaching experience and has dedicated the majority of his career to the NBA.
