UNC targets Nuggets' Malone as next basketball coach
North Carolina plans to hire former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone as its next men's basketball head coach, ESPN reports. The move comes after the university fired Hubert Davis earlier this month following a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU. Malone, who led Denver to an NBA title in 2023, had joined ESPN after his April 2025 dismissal from the Nuggets.
Davis compiled a 125-54 record over five seasons with the Tar Heels, including a Final Four run in his first year and a national championship game appearance in 2022. The team earned a No. 1 seed in 2024 but fell to Alabama in the Sweet 16. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham cited the need for more consistent elite-level competition in announcing the change.
"We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget," Cunningham said. "This was not an easy decision because of Hubert’s tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level."
Davis responded: "Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together." He added hopes of coaching again soon and leaves with about $5.3 million guaranteed from his contract.
Malone holds the Nuggets' record with 471 wins over 10 seasons there. North Carolina had pursued other candidates including Michigan's Dusty May, Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger before turning to Malone. The Tar Heels seek to recapture the success of the Roy Williams era, which included six NCAA titles.
