Vince Carter Shares Insider Details on UNC's Coaching Search

NBA legend reveals his alma mater was close to hiring a familiar name before landing Michael Malone.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:27am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a North Carolina basketball game, with sharp planes of Carolina blue, white, and black colors, conceptually representing the program's rich legacy and transition to a new chapter.A cubist interpretation of the North Carolina basketball program's storied history and tradition, as it transitions to a new era under coach Michael Malone.Denver Today

NBA legend Vince Carter revealed on his podcast that North Carolina was close to hiring one of his former Tar Heels teammates, Antawn Jamison, as their new head coach before ultimately selecting Michael Malone. Carter said Jamison was initially unsure but then had a change of heart. While surprised by the Malone hire, Carter noted the new coach has pledged to honor the program's rich heritage and not try to change the Carolina basketball way.

Why it matters

North Carolina is one of the most storied college basketball programs, and the coaching search to replace the departed Hubert Davis was closely watched. Malone's hiring as an outsider was unexpected, and Carter's insider information sheds light on the process and Malone's commitment to upholding the Tar Heels' traditions.

The details

Carter said his former teammate Antawn Jamison, who was part of the coaching search committee, told him they had reached out to Jamison about the job. Jamison was initially unsure but then had a change of heart. However, the school ultimately decided to hire Michael Malone, who has no direct ties to North Carolina other than his daughter playing volleyball there. Carter was surprised by the Malone hire but said the new coach has pledged to honor the program's legacy and not try to change the Carolina basketball way.

  • In April 2026, North Carolina hired Michael Malone as their new head basketball coach.

The players

Vince Carter

An iconic alumnus of the University of North Carolina, where he played from 1995 to 1998 and formed a dynamic duo with Antawn Jamison.

Antawn Jamison

A former North Carolina basketball star who was part of the coaching search committee that ultimately hired Michael Malone.

Michael Malone

The new head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, hired in 2026. He previously led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I was told by my former teammate, Antawn Jamison, who was a part of the process, that they reached out to him, he wasn't sure at first, and then all of a sudden, he had a change of heart.”

— Vince Carter, NBA Legend and UNC Alumnus

“He has said he wants to coach, he wants to develop, but he also wants to keep Carolina basketball the way we know it to be.”

— Vince Carter, NBA Legend and UNC Alumnus

“I'm not trying to change this to be my way. I know what Carolina basketball is, what it was, and what it needs to be. That was comforting.”

— Michael Malone

What’s next

Malone will look to continue North Carolina's storied basketball tradition when he takes over the program for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Michael Malone as North Carolina's new head basketball coach was a surprise, but his commitment to upholding the program's legacy and not trying to change the 'Carolina basketball way' has provided reassurance to the team's passionate fan base.