Hubert Davis was dismissed as head coach of the North Carolina men’s basketball program on Tuesday night, ending his five-year tenure in Chapel Hill. The former Tar Heel standout departs after UNC was knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Selected personally by Roy Williams, Davis opened his coaching career with one of the strongest debut seasons in program history. His first year featured a run to the national championship game and a signature victory over Duke in the final game of Mike Krzyzewski’s legendary career in 2022. Those moments briefly positioned Davis as the ideal successor to UNC’s storied legacy.
But the momentum didn’t last. The Tar Heels missed the NCAA Tournament entirely in 2023, and the most recent season became a constant uphill battle. Davis spent much of the year coaching under pressure, and once star guard Caleb Wilson was ruled out for the season, the team’s struggles intensified. The collapse came quickly, and the season never recovered.
Now, with Davis out, the focus shifts to what comes next. The North Carolina job remains one of the most prestigious in college basketball, built on decades of dominance under Dean Smith and Roy Williams. Still, this coaching search could signal a major shift in philosophy. For the first time in nearly 50 years, UNC may look outside the Tar Heel family to find its next leader, opening the door to a broader national candidate pool that includes coaches currently thriving in March.
Candidates to Watch
T.J. Otzelberger – Iowa State
Otzelberger has quietly built a tough, defense-driven program in Ames. With a reported $4 million buyout, he could be a realistic and practical option if UNC wants a proven culture builder.
Todd Golden – Florida
Golden is a popular name after leading Florida to a national championship last season. Known as a players’ coach with modern appeal, he would be a strong fit stylistically, though a significant buyout could complicate any move.
Dusty May – Michigan
May appears comfortable in Ann Arbor, where he’s rapidly elevating the Wolverines. Still, the allure of North Carolina could be difficult to turn down, even with a sizable buyout attached.
Josh Schertz – Saint Louis
Recently committed to Saint Louis, Schertz has a long history of winning and appears destined for a Power Conference opportunity. UNC could represent the ultimate leap if mutual interest develops.
Tommy Lloyd – Arizona
A former longtime assistant under Mark Few, Lloyd has turned Arizona into a consistent national contender. With tournament success and a strong résumé, he stands out as one of the more realistic high-profile options.
The central question now is whether North Carolina can identify the right leader to restore long-term stability—and whether the next hire can meet the expectations that come with one of college basketball’s most demanding jobs.