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UNC Stuns Fans With Hiring of NBA Champion Coach Michael Malone
The Tar Heels turned to the professional ranks to find their new men's basketball leader.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:53pm
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The University of North Carolina's surprising decision to hire an NBA champion coach signals a bold new era for the storied college basketball program.Chapel Hill TodayIn a surprising move, the University of North Carolina has hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new men's basketball coach. Malone, who led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023, last coached in the college ranks over 20 years ago as an assistant at Manhattan. UNC's decision to bring in an NBA champion to lead their storied program has left many college basketball fans stunned.
Why it matters
UNC is one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, with a rich history of success. The decision to hire an NBA coach with no recent college experience is highly unusual and signals a potential shift in the Tar Heels' approach to rebuilding their team in the NIL and transfer portal era.
The details
After making overtures to Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, UNC ultimately decided to hire Michael Malone as their new head coach. Malone, who won an NBA title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, last coached in the college ranks in 2001 as an assistant at Manhattan. The move is surprising given Malone's lack of recent college experience and the significant changes the game has undergone since he was last on a college sideline.
- UNC hired Michael Malone as their new head coach on April 6, 2026.
- Malone last coached in the college ranks in 2001 as an assistant at Manhattan.
The players
Michael Malone
The former head coach of the Denver Nuggets, who led the team to an NBA championship in 2023. Malone last coached in the college ranks over 20 years ago as an assistant at Manhattan.
Steve Newmark
The incoming athletic director at the University of North Carolina, who made the decision to hire Michael Malone as the new men's basketball coach.
Bridget Malone
The daughter of Michael Malone, who is a volleyball player at the University of North Carolina.
What’s next
It remains to be seen how Michael Malone will adapt to the college game and whether his NBA pedigree will translate to success at the University of North Carolina. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how the Tar Heels perform under his leadership.
The takeaway
UNC's decision to hire an NBA champion coach with no recent college experience is a bold and surprising move that signals a potential shift in the program's approach to rebuilding in the modern era of college basketball. The hire has left many fans stunned, and it will be fascinating to see if Malone can translate his professional success to the college ranks.
