UNC Hires Ex-NBA Coach Michael Malone as Men's Basketball Head Coach

Malone, former Denver Nuggets coach, will take over the Tar Heels program.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes in shades of blue, white, and black, conceptually representing the transition to new leadership for the UNC basketball program.The hiring of Michael Malone as UNC's new men's basketball coach signals a new era of leadership and potential for the storied program.Chapel Hill Today

North Carolina has hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as its new men's basketball head coach, a source confirmed to the News & Observer on Monday. The news was first reported by ESPN.

Why it matters

This is a significant hire for the storied UNC basketball program, which is looking to rebound after a disappointing season. Malone brings NBA head coaching experience and a proven track record of player development that could help revitalize the Tar Heels.

The details

Malone, 54, was the head coach of the Denver Nuggets from 2015 to 2022, leading the team to the playoffs three times. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Hornets, and Golden State Warriors. He has never been a college head coach before, but his NBA pedigree and reputation for strong player relationships make him an intriguing choice to lead the Tar Heels.

  • North Carolina announced the hiring on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Michael Malone

A 54-year-old former NBA head coach who was hired as the new men's basketball head coach at the University of North Carolina.

University of North Carolina

The storied college basketball program that has hired Malone as its new head coach, looking to rebound after a disappointing season.

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What they’re saying

“Michael Malone is the perfect fit to lead our men's basketball program back to prominence. His NBA experience and player development skills will be invaluable assets as we look to restore the Tar Heel brand.”

— Bubba Cunningham, UNC Athletic Director

What’s next

Malone will be formally introduced as the new UNC head coach at a press conference on Wednesday, April 9th.

The takeaway

The hiring of Michael Malone signals UNC's intent to revitalize its storied men's basketball program by bringing in an experienced NBA coach with a track record of player development and success. This move could help the Tar Heels regain their status as one of the top college basketball programs in the country.