Hubert Davis has been shown the door as the head coach of North Carolina’s men’s basketball team. After five seasons at the helm, the UNC alum’s tenure came to an end following a tough first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament.
Davis, who was Roy Williams’s chosen successor, kicked off his coaching journey with a bang. His first season was a dream run, highlighted by a trip to the national championship game and a memorable victory over Duke in Mike Krzyzewski’s final showdown in 2022.
However, the highs were followed by significant lows, including a failure to make the tournament in 2023. This season, the pressure was on, and when star player Caleb Wilson was sidelined for the year, the wheels came off.
Now, the big question is: who will step into the storied UNC coaching role? The position is one of the most coveted in college basketball, thanks to the legacy left by legends like Dean Smith and Roy Williams.
Interestingly, this might be the first time in five decades that a non-Tar Heel could take the reins, opening up a broader national search. Expect some buzz around coaches currently making waves in the tournament.
Can the Tar Heels find their next long-term leader? Here’s a look at six potential candidates:
T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
Otzelberger is making waves at Iowa State, known for building a formidable program with a strong defensive identity. With a $4 million buyout, he’s a serious contender to make the jump to Chapel Hill. His track record suggests he could be a great fit for UNC’s future.
Todd Golden, Florida
Golden is a hot commodity, having led the Gators to a national championship last year. Although they fell in the second round this year, his reputation as a players’ coach makes him an attractive option.
The challenge? A hefty $16 million buyout before April 15, on top of his and his staff’s contracts.
Dusty May, Michigan
May is doing impressive work with the Wolverines, but the allure of UNC might be too tempting to resist. Known for his program-building prowess, May could be the right person to bring new magic to Chapel Hill.
The cost to lure him away? $7.5 million.
Josh Schertz, Saint Louis
Schertz is committed to Saint Louis for now, but the opportunity at UNC could be a game-changer. A proven winner, Schertz might be ready for a leap to a powerhouse program. While he might choose to stay put, the chance to coach at UNC could be a compelling proposition.
Tommy Lloyd, Arizona
With a solid background and a successful run at Arizona, Lloyd has demonstrated his coaching chops. A former assistant under Gonzaga’s Mark Few, he’s turned the Wildcats into title contenders. With Arizona still in the tournament hunt, Lloyd’s $11 million buyout might be worth it for UNC.
As the Tar Heels embark on this coaching search, the stakes are high. The right hire could shape the program for years to come, and fans are eager to see who will lead the next chapter in UNC basketball history.