UNC is searching for a new men’s basketball coach. Here’s who has to sign off on the new hire.
WRAL • • general
Key Points:
- The UNC System president must approve in writing any contract for the next men's basketball coach, a measure implemented after a controversial football coaching hire limited the university board of trustees' involvement.
- UNC fired men's basketball coach Hubert Davis after five seasons, with over $5 million owed on his buyout; the Tar Heels plan to pursue top-tier candidates for his replacement.
- Since January 2025, UNC’s board of trustees has been sidelined from athletic operations due to conflicts arising from the football coach hiring process, with a memo suspending their authority still in effect.
- The memo mandates that any proposed coaching contracts must be submitted by the chancellor to the UNC System president for approval before reaching the board, prohibiting trustees from negotiating contracts.
- Athletics directors Bubba Cunningham and Steve Newmark are leading the search for a new basketball coach with assistance from the search firm Turnkey ZRG and an advisory group including former players and coaches.
