UNC Hires Michael Malone as New Basketball Coach

Malone becomes second highest-paid college coach after leading Denver Nuggets to NBA title

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:41pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in shades of blue, white, and black, conveying the conceptual idea of a new era for the UNC basketball program.UNC's bold move to hire NBA champion coach Michael Malone signals a new era of ambition for the storied basketball program.Indianapolis Today

The University of North Carolina has hired former NBA champion and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new men's basketball head coach, replacing Hubert Davis. Malone's reported 10-year, $100 million contract makes him the second highest-paid college basketball coach in the country.

Why it matters

UNC is one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, having won 6 national championships. Hiring an experienced NBA champion coach like Malone signals the school's commitment to returning the Tar Heels to national prominence after a few down seasons under Davis.

The details

Malone, 54, led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2025 and has a career NBA coaching record of 356-276. He will take over a UNC program that went 20-13 last season and failed to make the NCAA Tournament. Malone's reported 10-year, $100 million contract is second only to Duke's Jon Scheyer, who signed a 12-year, $120 million deal in 2023.

  • Malone was hired on April 3, 2026, just days before the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, Malone previously served as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets and won an NBA championship in 2025.

Hubert Davis

The former UNC head coach, who was let go after 5 seasons and a 20-13 record last year.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who signed a 12-year, $120 million contract in 2023, making him the highest-paid college basketball coach.

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What they’re saying

“Michael Malone is one of the best coaches in the NBA and we're thrilled to have him leading our basketball program. His championship pedigree and ability to develop talent is exactly what we need to get UNC basketball back to the top.”

— Bubba Cunningham, UNC Athletic Director

What’s next

Malone will now begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to Chapel Hill as he looks to quickly turn around the UNC program.

The takeaway

UNC's blockbuster hiring of Michael Malone as their new head basketball coach, with a reported 10-year, $100 million contract, underscores the school's commitment to reclaiming its status as one of the premier programs in college basketball after a down stretch.