In a surprising turn of events for the UNC men’s basketball program, former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone is set to become the 20th head coach in the team’s history. This decision follows the firing of Hubert Davis, who faced criticism after a significant loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament.
Malone has a personal connection to UNC, as his daughter plays volleyball in Chapel Hill, but his hiring appears more focused on revitalizing a men’s basketball program that has struggled in both performance and recruitment under Davis. There’s been a growing concern among UNC supporters about falling behind Duke, which adds pressure to this new appointment.
Malone’s departure from the Sacramento Kings was somewhat contentious, as his skillset as a strategist and team builder was recognized later by the Denver Nuggets, leading them to an NBA championship in 2022-23, thanks in no small part to Nikola Jokic’s development. Unfortunately, Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were let go by the Nuggets in April 2025, with ownership seeking a fresh direction for playoff success.
This new role marks Malone’s return to college coaching for the first time since 2001, when he was an assistant at Manhattan. While he has spent most of his career in the NBA, this experience could pose both challenges and benefits for recruiting at UNC. The decision to bring him on board seems to be a bold move in a time when many sought-after coaches are sticking with their current programs despite Malone’s limited college experience.
With this shift, the Tar Heels might be entering a new chapter of basketball, and it will be intriguing to see how this unfolds in the coming months.
