North Carolina Men’s Basketball Parts Ways with Hubert Davis

On Tuesday night, North Carolina men’s basketball let go of Hubert Davis, as reported by multiple sources. Now, the program is on the hunt for a new head coach after Davis spent five seasons succeeding the legendary Roy Williams. Under Davis, the University of North Carolina clinched the national championship in 2022, notably defeating Duke in the Final Four during Mike Krzyzewski’s final game. However, following consecutive first-round losses, the Tar Heels decided it was time to move on.

Traditionally viewed as one of the premier jobs in college basketball, North Carolina’s allure is being tested by the shifting landscape of the sport, marked by NIL deals and transfer portals. While fans may assume that UNC can easily choose its new coaches, getting top candidates to accept the position is a different story altogether.

Finding a role at a “Blue Blood” program is challenging unless there’s a transition to a carefully curated successor. It seems that not many could fit Davis’ shoes, making him a prime choice for hiring this offseason. Here are nine candidates the Tar Heels might consider.

Oats’ Success at Alabama

What Nate Oats has achieved at Alabama is remarkable. Over the past six years, they’ve reached the second weekend of March Madness five times, including four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. Before Oats, the program had only two tournament showings in 13 seasons. His teams exhibit a unique playstyle dubbed “math ball,” focusing on analytics-friendly rim attempts, three-point shots, and free throws, while steering clear of mid-range attempts. Though many teams adopt this approach, none commit to it as thoroughly or succeed as well as Oats’ squads. In today’s college basketball climate, one has to wonder if UNC is indeed a superior place to work compared to Alabama. Alabama’s conference stability and prominence in the transfer portal are certainly appealing. I think it’s important not to overly dwell on off-court issues like Aiden Holloway’s recent arrest. Oats should be the primary consideration for North Carolina, and honestly, it should be his choice to decline.

Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls

There are indications that Donovan might leave the Chicago Bulls. Despite this, he remains an attractive option in college basketball, especially during a rebuilding phase for the Bulls. Donovan entered the Hall of Fame after leading the University of Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. Although he could have become a legendary college coach, he opted to work with stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, which landed him in a less favorable situation in Chicago. At 60, he hasn’t been in the college scene for a while, and the landscape has changed significantly since his Florida days. Nonetheless, he’s still a solid coach and might only consider this role if a substantial NIL budget is guaranteed. It’s uncertain if Donovan is keen on returning to college, but if he is, North Carolina should certainly pursue him.

Tommy Lloyd, Arizona

Lloyd has been performing well in Arizona, but it seems unlikely that he would transition to North Carolina after several years on the West Coast. I’m including him on this list largely out of respect, since his success merits consideration for any “Blue Blood” opportunity.

TJ Otzelberger, Iowa State

The 48-year-old has taken Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament every season during his tenure, marking three Sweet 16 appearances. His teams always excel defensively, ranked with elite ratings, and offensively, they’ve often been in the top 20. While Iowa State is a respectable program within the Big 12, it’s not quite on par with North Carolina. If UNC wants Otzelberger, a strong approach could be beneficial.

Mark Byington, Vanderbilt

Byington performed admirably in his two seasons at Vanderbilt, leading the team to an upset victory over James Madison in the first round of the 2024 tournament. This year’s Commodores had a top-10 offense and an impressive defense. Although Tyler Tanner’s recent performance against Nebraska might have overshadowed Byington’s efforts, Tanner is, in fact, a compelling aspect of his candidacy. Many might see Tanner as a potential first-round pick, though his height could factor into NBA decisions. Should UNC lure in Byington, bringing Tanner along could significantly bolster the team’s chances for a championship next season. While hiring a coach solely for one player might be a stretch, Byington’s strong resume makes him a serious contender regardless of other factors.

Ben McCallum, Iowa

All McCallum does is win. Who wouldn’t want to secure this individual? He’s known for his guidance of point guards. While his teams tend to play slower, it feels like an odd fit for a North Carolina program that thrives on fast-paced play. Still, his track record, including leading Iowa to the Sweet 16 by defeating reigning champions, cannot be dismissed.

Grant McCasland, Texas Tech University

Texas Tech appears to be making significant strides, particularly with their investment in NIL throughout athletics. They worked hard to keep JT Toppin around, suggesting they’re not keen on losing McCasland. Although we can’t be certain that the 49-year-old coach would take the UNC job, he would undeniably be a valuable addition. Texas Tech had a top-five offense last year and consistently ranked high in offensive efficiency during his three seasons. He shows great potential as a tournament coach and has a keen eye for talent.

Golden, Florida

Golden won the national championship at Florida in 2025. However, would he actually consider taking the UNC position? I’m doubtful, as the Gainesville administration has always backed him. He certainly deserves recognition as a leading candidate, but I struggle to see him leaving.

Jerry Stackhouse, Warriors assistant

For someone with ties to the Carolina family, Stackhouse could be an ideal solution. His reputation as a savvy coach has been established, notably during his five seasons at Vanderbilt, although Byington quickly turned things around there. Stackhouse was a celebrated player at North Carolina, yet right now, he seems to feel the job might be a bit too demanding for him.