Few people are as passionate about Carolina basketball as Tyler Hansbrough.
Like much of the fanbase, Hansbrough was disappointed by the news that Tommy Lloyd signed a contract extension at Arizona. That development forced North Carolina to quickly shift direction as it continues its search for a new men’s basketball head coach.
With the coaching search now fully back in motion, several names have already surfaced as potential candidates.
When asked who he would target for the job, Hansbrough shared his thoughts, listing four coaches he would consider—one of them a true wildcard.
Hansbrough said his first call would be to Dusty May, making it clear that North Carolina should at least try to make him say no. May is widely viewed as a rising star in the coaching world, though it’s uncertain whether he would be ready or willing to leave Michigan at this stage.
If May isn’t an option, Hansbrough said he’s a big fan of Ben McCollum, pointing to his relentless work ethic and track record of success at every level he has coached.
He also mentioned Billy Donovan, a name that has generated significant buzz during this coaching search. Donovan is a two-time national champion, but it remains unclear whether he would consider returning to the college ranks after more than a decade away. He is also believed to be focused solely on finishing the Chicago Bulls’ season before entertaining any other possibilities.
The most unexpected name Hansbrough floated was his wildcard choice: former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. Hansbrough noted that with Malone’s daughter playing volleyball at North Carolina, the idea of coaching in Chapel Hill could at least be intriguing. Still, Malone may prefer to return to the NBA rather than take on the evolving challenges of the college game.
As Hansbrough emphasized, the ultimate goal is finding a coach who can win consistently, make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, and commit to North Carolina for the long haul. While experienced coaches with proven resumes are appealing, the Tar Heels may be better served targeting a younger coach on the rise—someone the program can grow with for years to come.