Michael Malone Tapped as New North Carolina Head Coach

Former Denver Nuggets coach brings college experience and international recruiting ties to revive Tar Heels program.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of Carolina blue, white, and black representing the intensity and energy of the sport.Malone's strategic mind and international recruiting ties could help North Carolina reclaim its place among college basketball's elite programs.Denver Today

In a surprising move, the University of North Carolina has hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new men's basketball head coach. Malone, known for his intense coaching style and ability to develop international talent, is seen as a strong fit to revive one of the most decorated college basketball programs despite his lack of prior head coaching experience at the collegiate level.

Why it matters

College basketball has undergone significant changes in recent years, with programs now employing general managers and players earning lucrative NIL deals, making Malone's NBA experience and player development skills an appealing fit. North Carolina is also looking to regain its status as a national powerhouse after a few down seasons.

The details

Malone, who spent the last seven seasons as head coach of the Denver Nuggets, is known for his ability to get the most out of international talent, including nurturing the development of All-NBA center Nikola Jokic. His intense, defense-first coaching style is seen as a good match for the shorter college season and ability to hold players more accountable than in the pro game.

  • Malone was hired as the new North Carolina head coach on April 6, 2026.
  • He spent the last seven seasons as head coach of the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, known for his intense coaching style and ability to develop international talent during his time with the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

Nikola Jokic

The All-NBA center who Malone helped develop during his tenure as head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

Monte Morris

A former Nuggets guard who played college basketball at Iowa State, and expressed his support for Malone's hiring on social media.

Danny Green

A former North Carolina player and current ESPN commentator who played under Malone as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and praised Malone's offensive coaching abilities.

George Karl

A former North Carolina player who later became an NBA head coach with the Denver Nuggets, like Malone.

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What they’re saying

“No better person for the job.”

— Monte Morris, Former Nuggets guard

“Malone is an offensive juggernaut.”

— Danny Green, Former Tar Heel, ESPN commentator

What’s next

Malone will now focus on recruiting top talent, both domestically and internationally, to help restore North Carolina as a national championship contender.

The takeaway

Malone's NBA experience, player development skills, and ability to connect with international talent make him an intriguing hire to revive North Carolina's storied basketball program and return it to prominence in the new era of college basketball.