Hubert Davis is out as North Carolina coach after 5 seasons
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- North Carolina has fired head coach Hubert Davis after five seasons, citing inconsistent results that conflicted with the program’s tradition of sustained elite success.
- Athletic director Bubba Cunningham and executive associate AD Steve Newmark recommended the leadership change, which was approved by Chancellor Lee Roberts; the school will honor Davis’ contract through 2029-30, owing him approximately $5.3 million.
- Davis led the Tar Heels to the 2022 NCAA championship game in his debut season and won an ACC regular-season title in 2024, but the team struggled overall, including missing the NCAA Tournament in 2023 despite starting the season ranked No. 1.
- The program’s recent struggles were compounded by injuries to top recruit Caleb Wilson and a historic first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU after blowing a 19-point lead, intensifying scrutiny of Davis’ coaching.
- Davis expressed hope to continue coaching elsewhere, emphasizing pride in his accomplishments at UNC, where he compiled a 125-54 record with a 69.8% win percentage.
