Michael Malone Takes UNC Basketball Head Coach Job After Daughter's Urging

Longtime NBA coach Michael Malone cites his daughter Bridget's influence as a key factor in his decision to join the storied North Carolina program.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:11pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives, conveying the conceptual fusion of Malone's NBA experience and UNC's college basketball tradition.A cubist interpretation of the new partnership between veteran NBA coach Michael Malone and the storied University of North Carolina basketball program.Chapel Hill Today

Veteran NBA head coach Michael Malone has been named the new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team. Malone cited his daughter Bridget, who is a student-athlete at UNC playing volleyball, as a major influence in his decision to make the jump from the professional ranks to the college game.

Why it matters

Malone's move from the NBA to college basketball is an unexpected one, as he has spent the majority of his coaching career in the professional ranks. His decision to join the Tar Heels program, one of the most prestigious in the country, is seen as a significant shift that could have implications for the future of college basketball coaching hires.

The details

In an interview, Malone revealed that his daughter Bridget, who is a student-athlete at UNC playing volleyball, was a major factor in his decision to take the head coaching job with the Tar Heels. Malone initially had some hesitation about 'stealing the spotlight' from his daughter, but she ultimately encouraged him to pursue the opportunity, wanting to be closer to her mother as well.

  • Malone was named the new UNC head coach on April 7, 2026.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, with a long career as an NBA head coach prior to this move to the college ranks.

Bridget Malone

Michael Malone's daughter, who is a student-athlete playing volleyball at the University of North Carolina and was a key influence in her father's decision to take the head coaching job with the Tar Heels.

University of North Carolina

One of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, with a storied history and tradition of excellence.

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What they’re saying

“And she was [like], 'You know, you should do it, you should come, that would be great.' I just think she wanted to be near her mother a little bit more.”

— Michael Malone, New UNC Basketball Head Coach

“When she came here, she had her own place [and] her own space to be her. I'm so proud of her because this is a tremendous basketball tradition … but I should also mention it's a tremendous school, and that was one of the reasons she chose to come here because she's a student athlete and the academics. And so, she had crushed it since she's been here…My daughter Bridget, she said, 'Dad, I want you to come.' So, I did.”

— Michael Malone, New UNC Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

Malone will begin preparing for his first season as the head coach of the North Carolina basketball team, with the goal of continuing the program's storied tradition of success.

The takeaway

Michael Malone's decision to leave the NBA and take the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina was heavily influenced by his daughter Bridget, who is a student-athlete at the school. This unexpected move highlights the importance of family considerations in high-profile coaching decisions and the draw of the prestigious UNC basketball program.