Enthusiasm from former players as Malone takes over at UNC

New Tar Heels coach Michael Malone gets endorsements from ex-players and legendary coach Roy Williams.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant Carolina blue, white, and black colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The new era of UNC basketball under coach Michael Malone promises an energetic, innovative style of play.Chapel Hill Today

The University of North Carolina has hired Michael Malone as its new head basketball coach, and the mood on campus seems optimistic about the hire. Former Tar Heel players, including Shammond Williams, have voiced their support for Malone, noting his reputation as a great coach and person. Legendary former UNC coach Roy Williams also gave Malone a strong endorsement, saying he is a 'proven winner' and that he is 'ready to watch his work as a Tar Heel.'

Why it matters

The hiring of a new head coach is a pivotal moment for any college basketball program, and UNC is no exception. As one of the most storied programs in the sport, the Tar Heels' fanbase has high expectations, so Malone's ability to connect with former players and earn the endorsement of a coaching icon like Roy Williams will be crucial as he looks to restore the program to its championship-caliber form.

The details

Michael Malone was introduced as the new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team on Tuesday. Malone comes to Chapel Hill after a successful stint as an NBA head coach, where he won a championship with the Golden State Warriors. During the search process, there was some concern that Malone was an outsider to the 'Carolina Family,' but former Tar Heel point guard Shammond Williams believes Malone's decision to send his daughter to UNC as a student-athlete shows he has an 'affinity' for the university. Other former players and alumni have also voiced their support for Malone, and legendary former UNC coach Roy Williams gave him a strong endorsement, calling him a 'proven winner' and saying he is 'ready to watch his work as a Tar Heel.'

  • Michael Malone was introduced as the new UNC head coach on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Malone's daughter is a rising sophomore volleyball player at UNC.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team. Malone previously served as an NBA head coach, winning a championship with the Golden State Warriors.

Shammond Williams

A former point guard who played at UNC from 1994 to 1998. Williams voiced his support for Malone, noting his reputation as a great coach and person.

Roy Williams

The legendary former head coach of the UNC men's basketball team. Williams gave a strong endorsement of Malone, calling him a 'proven winner' and saying he is 'ready to watch his work as a Tar Heel.'

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What they’re saying

“Mike Malone is a great coach, great individual. When you've been in the NBA, you know his reputation, who he is as a person. I look beyond just the athletic perspective of him being the head coach. I truly understand that he does have an affinitive love for the University of North Carolina because if he did not, he wouldn't have sent his daughter here to be a student-athlete. And, excited to see what he does.”

— Shammond Williams, Former UNC point guard

“He is a proven winner as an NBA world championship coach, and I am ready to watch his work as a Tar Heel!”

— Roy Williams, Former UNC head coach

What’s next

Malone will now focus on building his coaching staff, recruiting players through the transfer portal, and preparing the team for the upcoming season, where high expectations await the Tar Heels.

The takeaway

The hiring of Michael Malone as the new head coach of the UNC men's basketball team has generated enthusiasm among former players and alumni, who see him as a proven winner with a strong connection to the university. Malone's ability to connect with the 'Carolina Family' and live up to the program's championship pedigree will be crucial as he looks to restore the Tar Heels to national prominence.