UNC hires Michael Malone as head coach in stunning move
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- North Carolina has named Michael Malone, former Denver Nuggets head coach and NBA champion, as their new men's basketball head coach, marking a significant shift for the program.
- Malone replaces Hubert Davis, who was fired after North Carolina's unexpected first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament; Davis had strong ties to the Tar Heel family as a former player and assistant coach.
- Tommy Lloyd declined North Carolina's coaching offer, opting to stay with Arizona, while Billy Donovan, once a leading candidate, remains with the Chicago Bulls amid a challenging season.
- Malone, with no prior connection to North Carolina, brings NBA coaching experience and hopes to build on his 101-45 record, aiming to advance deeper into the NCAA Tournament than his previous Sweet 16 appearances.
- Earlier in his career, Malone held positions at Providence College, Oakland University, and Virginia before his successful tenure with the Denver Nuggets, which ended with his dismissal just before the playoffs last season.
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