Michael Malone hired as North Carolina basketball head coach

The University of North Carolina has hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone to lead the men's basketball program for the 2026-27 season. Malone, who led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023, replaces Hubert Davis, who was dismissed on March 24, 2026, following a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU.

Malone's appointment marks a significant departure from program tradition, as he is the first head coach in decades with no prior ties to the university. While betting odds suggest a period of transition may be necessary, some analysts have projected the Tar Heels to rank fifth in the ACC due to a roster built for high-scoring play.