UNC Hires Michael Malone as Men's Basketball Coach

The University of North Carolina announced on April 7, 2026, that it had hired Michael Malone, the former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, as the new leader of its storied men's basketball program. The move, which came after the dismissal of Hubert Davis following a first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament, marks the first time in over seven decades that UNC has selected a head coach from outside its traditional coaching tree.

Malone, 54, steps into the role with a proven track record in professional basketball, including guiding the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023. He agreed to a six-year contract worth $50 million, averaging $8.33 million annually, a figure that positions him among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball. Officials emphasized Malone's reputation as a developer of talent and his ability to manage high-stakes rosters, skills they believe will translate to the evolving landscape of college athletics, where name, image and likeness deals and the transfer portal have professionalized the sport.

The hiring process unfolded rapidly after Davis's departure on March 24. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham and incoming director Steve Newmark led...