The University of North Carolina has selected NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to take charge of the Tar Heels men’s basketball program.
UNC made the announcement Tuesday and has planned an introductory press conference for later today. Malone will take over from Hubert Davis, who was dismissed on March 24 following five seasons leading the program after taking over from retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams.
UNC executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark praised Malone as a “selfless teacher and innovator” in his statement.
“He is a brilliant coach who will deliver a modern and disciplined approach to leading our men’s basketball program, which is critical in the current landscape of college athletics,” Newmark stated. Newmark is set to replace Bubba Cunningham as athletic director on July 1. “Carolina Basketball is unique and special — and we have hired a leader well-suited to continuing our championship tradition.”
Malone, age 54, has 12 seasons of NBA head coaching experience, with a decade of that time spent in Denver. He guided the Nuggets to their 2023 championship title with three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic leading the team.
Denver dismissed Malone last spring during the final week of the regular season. Nearly one year later, in another unexpected development, Malone is now heading to one of college basketball’s premier programs that boasts 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 leader Tyler Hansbrough.
“Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels,” Malone stated. “It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill.
“I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina Basketball Family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC’s championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball.”
Davis’ dismissal 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 after 36 seasons in October 1997. The position had remained within the “Carolina Family” throughout that period. Smith’s longtime assistant Bill Guthridge took over initially, followed by former UNC player Matt Doherty, then former Smith assistant Williams, and finally Davis, who had played under Smith and served on Williams’ coaching staff.
Malone lacks college head coaching experience and has built his career primarily in the NBA. His main tie to UNC athletics comes through his daughter Bridget, who plays for the Tar Heels volleyball team. He appeared on the UNC athletic department’s “Carolina Insider” podcast in October, revealing he had observed several recent basketball practices, with Davis even inviting him to address the team on at least one occasion.
