UNC Hires NBA Coach Michael Malone as Head
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina hired Michael Malone as its men's basketball head coach on Monday, ending a 13-day search. Malone, a longtime NBA coach who led the Denver Nuggets to the 2022–23 championship and recorded 510 NBA head-coaching wins, moves from broadcast work back into coaching this week. The hire follows UNC's March 24 decision to move on from Hubert Davis; reports say Malone previously appeared on Carolina Insider and joined ESPN after his April firing last year. Athletic department officials will initiate onboarding, and observers expect recruiting and program adjustments to proceed during spring evaluation this month.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Malone served as NBA head coach for multiple teams and won the 2022–23 NBA title with the Denver Nuggets.
- Malone was fired from the Nuggets in April (previous year) and joined ESPN as an analyst approximately one month later.
- In October (previous year) Malone appeared on Carolina Insider, discussing his ties and admiration for UNC basketball.
- UNC moved on from Hubert Davis on March 24, 2026, initiating a coaching search.
- After a roughly 13-day search, sources confirmed on Monday that UNC expected to hire Michael Malone as head coach.
Why This Matters to You
UNC's hiring of Malone could shake up the college basketball scene. If you're a Tar Heels fan, expect a new coaching style and potential changes in player recruitment. Keep an eye on the spring evaluation this month for any shifts.
The Bottom Line
Michael Malone's NBA experience brings a fresh perspective to UNC's men's basketball. It's a bold move that could pay off in future seasons. If you know someone who follows college hoops, they'll want to hear about this.
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The University of North Carolina's athletic department and men's basketball program gained an experienced NBA head coach with a championship background and a record of roster development, potentially strengthening recruiting and program credibility.
Former head coach Hubert Davis lost his role when UNC moved to hire Michael Malone following the program's coaching search that began after the March 24 decision to move on from Davis.
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