Michael Malone Approved as UNC Basketball Coach

Trustees hold emergency meeting to confirm new head coach ahead of press conference

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:33pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of Carolina blue, white, and black colors.The University of North Carolina moves quickly to secure a new leader for its storied men's basketball program.Chapel Hill Today

The University of North Carolina's Board of Trustees has approved the hiring of Michael Malone as the new head coach of the UNC men's basketball team. The emergency meeting was held on Tuesday, April 7th, just before Malone's introductory press conference, which is scheduled for later that evening.

Why it matters

UNC's men's basketball program is one of the most prestigious in the country, with a storied history and passionate fan base. The selection of a new head coach is a major event that will shape the future direction of the team and impact the school's athletic department and local community.

The details

Michael Malone, an experienced college basketball coach, was selected to lead the UNC men's basketball team after a thorough search and vetting process by the university. The Board of Trustees convened an emergency meeting to formally approve Malone's hiring ahead of his introductory press conference, signaling the importance of this decision.

  • The Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Malone's introductory press conference is scheduled for later on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Michael Malone

The newly hired head coach of the UNC men's basketball team, bringing extensive experience in college coaching.

UNC Board of Trustees

The governing body of the University of North Carolina that approved the hiring of Michael Malone as the new head coach of the men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Malone as the new head coach of our men's basketball team. His proven track record of success and commitment to developing student-athletes make him the ideal leader to guide our program into the future.”

— Deborah Crowder, Chair, UNC Board of Trustees

What’s next

Malone will be formally introduced to the media and public at his scheduled press conference later on Tuesday, April 7th.

The takeaway

The swift approval of Michael Malone as the new UNC men's basketball coach underscores the university's commitment to maintaining its status as one of the premier college basketball programs in the country. Malone's hiring is expected to energize the team and its passionate fan base as they look to build on the school's storied basketball tradition.