Michael Malone Accepts UNC Head Coaching Job After Persistent Pursuit

Malone, an NBA champion head coach, will lead the Tar Heels after initially declining the role multiple times.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:08am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp geometric planes in shades of blue, white, and black representing the dynamic action and shifting perspectives of the sport.The cubist, geometric style captures the dynamic energy and shifting perspectives of a new era for North Carolina basketball under coach Michael Malone.Chapel Hill Today

After repeatedly declining the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina, Michael Malone ultimately accepted the position following a persistent push from athletic director Steve Newmark. Malone, who has 12 years of experience as an NBA head coach and won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, will be the first outsider to lead the Tar Heels program in over 70 years.

Why it matters

Malone's hiring represents a significant shift for the tradition-bound North Carolina basketball program, which has typically promoted from within. His NBA pedigree and championship experience bring a new level of credibility and high expectations to the Tar Heels, who are looking to return to national prominence after a down period.

The details

Newmark persistently pursued Malone for the job, even after the coach initially declined multiple times, believing he was not suited for the college game. However, Malone eventually reconsidered and agreed to meet with Newmark and Director of Basketball Operations Eric Hoots in his Colorado home on Easter Sunday. After a five-hour conversation about his vision for the program, Malone decided this was the only college job he would ever consider, and he officially accepted the position two days later.

  • Newmark first called Malone about the job, but Malone declined, saying he was not interested in college coaching.
  • The next day, Newmark called Malone again, laying out the vision for the program in greater detail, but Malone still wasn't convinced.
  • On Easter Sunday, Newmark and Hoots flew to Colorado to meet with Malone and his wife Jocelyn for a five-hour discussion.
  • That night, Malone's answer changed, and he decided he wanted to be the next head coach at North Carolina.
  • Two days later, on April 8, 2026, Malone was officially introduced as the new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Malone has 12 years of experience as an NBA head coach and won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. He is the first outsider to lead the Tar Heels program in over 70 years.

Steve Newmark

The athletic director at the University of North Carolina, Newmark persistently pursued Malone for the head coaching job, even after Malone initially declined multiple times.

Eric Hoots

The Director of Basketball Operations at the University of North Carolina, Hoots accompanied Newmark to Colorado to meet with Malone and his wife Jocelyn.

Roy Williams

The former head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Williams had a relationship with Malone and was aware of Malone's initial lack of interest in the college coaching job.

Jocelyn Malone

Michael Malone's wife, who was present during the five-hour meeting in Colorado where Malone ultimately decided to accept the North Carolina head coaching job.

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What they’re saying

“Every time I said no, I was regretting that. I was like, 'I think I'm making a mistake.'”

— Michael Malone, New Head Coach, North Carolina Tar Heels

“This is the only college job I'd ever consider. Any other job, I wouldn't even answer the phone.”

— Michael Malone, New Head Coach, North Carolina Tar Heels

“If you want to know something about Steve Newmark, persistence defined. That guy would not take no for an answer.”

— Michael Malone, New Head Coach, North Carolina Tar Heels

What’s next

Malone will immediately begin meeting with the returning players from last season's North Carolina roster, including five who are currently in the transfer portal, to lay the foundation for his program and vision for the team's style of play and culture.

The takeaway

Michael Malone's hiring as the new head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels represents a significant shift for the traditionally insular program, bringing in an experienced NBA champion to lead the team back to national prominence. Malone's initial reluctance to take the job was ultimately overcome by the persistent pursuit of athletic director Steve Newmark, highlighting the university's commitment to landing a high-profile coach capable of restoring the Tar Heels' status as an elite college basketball program.