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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Malone served as NBA head coach for multiple teams and won the 2022–23 NBA title with the Denver Nuggets.
- 2. Malone was fired from the Nuggets in April (previous year) and joined ESPN as an analyst approximately one month later.
- 3. In October (previous year) Malone appeared on Carolina Insider, discussing his ties and admiration for UNC basketball.
- 4. UNC moved on from Hubert Davis on March 24, 2026, initiating a coaching search.
- 5. After a roughly 13-day search, sources confirmed on Monday that UNC expected to hire Michael Malone as head coach.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
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