A traditional NCAA powerhouse with six men’s basketball national titles, North Carolina was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, losing to No. 11 seed VCU 82-78 despite leading by 19 points in the second half.
The early exit resulted in the firing of head coach Hubert Davis, who was unable to replicate the Tar Heels’ runner-up finish in his first season. Subsequently, the UNC Athletics Department, led by Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham and Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark, announced an unprecedented move that breaks with the university’s tradition of hiring a new coach.
North Carolina Announces Extensive Search for New Head Coach
Cunningham and Newmark recommended removing Davis from his position. University Chancellor Lee Roberts approved the recommendation on Tuesday. The department also announced that a nationwide search is underway to find North Carolina’s next head coach, with Cunningham and Newmark leading the effort. Turnkey ZRG, an executive search firm, has been hired to assist with the coaching search.
The move is unprecedented for UNC, with CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein describing the process as “a new dawn in Chapel Hill.”
Sources: North Carolina will do an open search and plans for the first time, to actively pursue candidates outside of the Tar Heels’ family.
A new dawn in Chapel Hill. https://t.co/nLRrTnK7GV
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 25, 2026
The development enables North Carolina to hire coaches from outside the university for the first time since Bill Guthridge (1997-2000). Guthridge, a Kansas State graduate, served as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1967 to 1997 and then became head coach, succeeding the legendary Dean Smith. Davis, Matt Doherty, and Roy Williams are all UNC alumni.
Davis, who was named UNC head coach after Roy Williams’ retirement, became the 19th head coach of the Tar Heels and the first African-American to lead the program, amid backlash from the basketball community over his lack of head-coaching experience.
READ MORE: Seth Davis Rips North Carolina’s Handling of Hubert Davis Decision As ‘Not Fair to Anyone’
In five seasons, Davis posted a 125-54 record (68-30 in the ACC), highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. However, he was unable to build on that strong finish, facing four disappointing seasons, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and back-to-back first-round exits in the 2025 and 2026 tournaments.
North Carolina Athletic Department Officials Hail Hubert Davis
In a statement, Cunningham acknowledged that it was a difficult decision to release Davis, whom he said had helped create special memories during his time with the Tar Heels.
“We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader,” Cunningham said. “This was not an easy decision because of Hubert’s tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.”
Newmark, who is set to become the new North Carolina AD on July 1, said he admires Davis for his deep love for the university. His dedication to inspiring players he has coached to love the Tar Heels and their traditions is inspiring.
“Chancellor Roberts, Bubba and I join all of the Carolina community in thanking Hubert and his family for all they have done for UNC,” Newmark said.
Davis, who played 12 seasons in the NBA and four seasons at UNC from 1988-1992, has about $5.3 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract. The university said it will honor the terms of his deal.
