The University of North Carolina has made a seismic move, hiring NBA champion coach Michael Malone to lead its storied men's basketball program. The Tar Heels are turning to proven professional pedigree to guide them into a new era of college basketball.
Malone, 54, officially takes the reins after the school parted ways with Hubert Davis in March. Davis had led the program for five seasons following the retirement of Hall of Famer Roy Williams. The university announced the hiring Tuesday, scheduling an introductory press conference to formally welcome the new leader to Chapel Hill.
This marks a significant shift for a college blueblood, bringing in a coach with over a decade of NBA head coaching experience, including a celebrated 10-year tenure with the Denver Nuggets. Malone's crowning achievement came in 2023 when he guided Denver, led by MVP Nikola Jokić, to an NBA championship. His hiring signals UNC's intent to compete at the highest level with a modern, pro-style approach.
In a statement, UNC executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark praised Malone as a "selfless teacher and innovator." Newmark, who will become the school's athletic director on July 1, emphasized the fit, saying, "Carolina Basketball is unique and special — and we have hired a leader well-suited to continuing our championship tradition."
For Malone, the opportunity to lead a program with six national titles and a record 21 Final Four appearances represents a thrilling new challenge. "It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill," Malone stated. He acknowledged the powerful legacy of Tar Heels in the NBA, from Michael Jordan to more recent stars, vowing to "continue UNC’s championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers."
The move closes a whirlwind year for Malone, who was surprisingly let go by Denver late last season, only to land at one of the most coveted destinations in college sports. All eyes will now be on Chapel Hill to see how an NBA champion's philosophy translates to the collegiate game and revitalizes a premier program.