The University of North Carolina (UNC) has hired former NBA coach Michael Malone as its new men's basketball head coach, according to multiple reports. Malone, who led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023, will take over the Tar Heels program following the firing of Hubert Davis in March. Davis was dismissed after UNC's second consecutive first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, including a stunning loss to VCU in overtime.
Malone, 54, has no prior head coaching experience in college basketball but has extensive NBA experience, including 10 seasons with the Nuggets and two with the Sacramento Kings. He was fired by the Nuggets midway through the 2024-25 season despite a 47-32 record. Malone has a personal connection to UNC, as his daughter, Bridget, is a sophomore on the school's volleyball team.
The Tar Heels reportedly pursued several high-profile college coaches, including Tommy Lloyd, Dusty May, and Dan Hurley, before settling on Malone. His hiring marks a departure from UNC's tradition of hiring coaches with deep ties to the program, known as the "Carolina Family." Malone's NBA background and experience developing players like Nikola Jokić have drawn praise from former UNC players, including Danny Green and Tyler Hansbrough, who endorsed the move.
UNC's decision comes amid a shifting college basketball landscape, where the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have made it easier for NBA coaches to transition to the collegiate level. Malone's hiring also follows a trend of elite programs hiring coaches from the professional ranks, such as Bill Belichick's brief stint as UNC's football coach.
The move has already sparked reactions from the college basketball community. Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary Duke coach, noted the challenges of transitioning from the NBA to college basketball but praised Malone's coaching abilities. Meanwhile, UNC guard Derek Dixon reportedly entered the transfer portal shortly after Malone's hiring, raising questions about the team's immediate future.
Malone's contract details and long-term vision for the Tar Heels have not been publicly disclosed. The hiring comes as UNC looks to restore its status as a national powerhouse after a period of relative decline under Davis, who failed to advance beyond the Sweet 16 in his final four seasons.