North Carolina began its search for a new head coach on Wednesday, with top figures from men’s college basketball and the NBA emerging as potential candidates to replace Hubert Davis, who departed after five seasons.
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics president and two-time NCAA runner-up, was regarded as a top Tar Heels candidate. However, rumors of his candidacy quickly faded when he swiftly declined the position.
Brad Stevens Declines North Carolina Coaching Job to Remain With Celtics
Stevens was a primary target for outgoing UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham and Executive Associate AD Steve Newmark after Davis was fired. However, the former Butler coach chose to stay with the Celtics and declined to participate in the UNC process, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, citing sources.
NEWS: Brad Stevens—who was atop the list of targets—has already removed himself from consideration for the UNC job, sources told @CBSSports. No surprise of course, but notable all the same as Carolina starts its search to replace Hubert Davis.
Story: https://t.co/CJy6517vfF
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 25, 2026
Stevens coached Butler from 2007 to 2013, ending with a 166-49 record, two NCAA runner-up seasons, and three more tournament appearances. After his time at Butler, the Zionsville, Indiana, native became head coach in Boston and led the team for eight seasons from 2013 to 2021.
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He finished with a 354-282 record in regular-season games and made the playoffs in seven of his eight seasons with the Celtics, including three trips to the Eastern Conference finals. In June 2021, Stevens was appointed Boston’s president of basketball operations and has held that position ever since.
With Stevens leading the team’s operations, the Celtics became NBA champions in 2024 and remain a strong Eastern Conference team in 2025-26. Jayson Tatum missed most of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs but returned to the lineup in early March. They are currently 47-24, holding second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Stevens’ rejection means that Cunningham and Newmark can now focus on realistic potential candidates. The main list includes Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, Michigan’s Dusty May, Iowa State’s TJ Otzelberger, and Hall of Famer Billy Donovan.
Donovan, a two-time national champion coach now leading the Chicago Bulls, has mentioned that he misses the rhythm of college practices. Still, he signed a multi-year contract extension with the Bulls in July 2025, making it unlikely he will return to college anytime soon.
READ MORE: Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd Lead North Carolina’s Wish List After Hubert Davis Firing
In the latest episode of the “Carolina Insider” podcast, Cunningham and Newmark said they are seeking a head coach who is familiar with the current challenges of college sports in the transfer portal and NIL era and who can communicate effectively with the North Carolina fanbase.
The officials have not set a deadline to find the best available head coach for the Tar Heels because they want to ensure the coach is the right fit for the job and will help them move forward starting in the 2026-27 season.
