UNC Introduces Michael Malone as New Head Basketball Coach

Former NBA champion and 500-win coach takes over Tar Heels program

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:12pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the University of North Carolina - blue, white, and black.The unconventional hiring of NBA champion Michael Malone as the new UNC basketball coach signals a bold new era for the storied program.Chapel Hill Today

The University of North Carolina has officially named Michael Malone as the new head coach of the Tar Heels men's basketball team. Malone, who won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, will become the 20th head coach in UNC history and the first without prior ties to the program since 1961.

Why it matters

Malone's hiring represents a major coup for UNC, as they've landed one of the most accomplished coaches in the NBA to lead their storied program. His championship pedigree and extensive experience should provide an immediate boost to the Tar Heels as they look to return to national prominence.

The details

Malone will sign a 6-year, $50 million contract, making him the second highest-paid coach in college basketball behind only Kansas' Bill Self. The move also has personal ties, as Malone's daughter Bridget is a freshman on the UNC volleyball team.

  • Michael Malone's introductory press conference will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.
  • Malone won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who previously won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 and has over 500 wins as an NBA head coach.

Bridget Malone

Michael Malone's daughter, who is a freshman outside hitter for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels volleyball team.

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What’s next

Malone will be formally introduced as the new UNC head coach at a press conference on Tuesday, April 7th at 6 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Michael Malone's hiring as the new head coach of the UNC Tar Heels represents a major coup for the storied program, as they've landed one of the NBA's most accomplished coaches to lead them into the future. Malone's championship pedigree and extensive experience should provide an immediate boost as UNC looks to return to national prominence in men's college basketball.