UNC Hires NBA Champion Coach Michael Malone as New Men's Basketball Head Coach

Veteran NBA coach to lead Tar Heels program, continuing championship tradition

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:03am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of light blue and white, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of the sport.The hiring of NBA champion coach Michael Malone signals a new era of disciplined, innovative leadership for the storied UNC men's basketball program.Chapel Hill Today

The University of North Carolina (UNC) has hired 24-year NBA coaching veteran Michael Malone as the new men's head basketball coach. Malone, who led the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship, was recommended by a search committee led by UNC executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark and director of athletics Bubba Cunningham.

Why it matters

Malone's hiring represents a major coup for UNC, one of the most storied college basketball programs, as they look to return to championship contention after a down period. His NBA pedigree and proven ability to develop players and lead teams to titles is seen as a perfect fit to continue the Tar Heels' legacy of excellence.

The details

Malone was the first coach engaged in the search process due to his reputation as a 'selfless teacher and innovator' who can 'connect with players and get the absolute best out of those he mentors.' The search committee also included board of trustees chair Malcolm Turner, Tar Heel legend Antawn Jamison, and Rams Club executive board vice chair Vaughn Moore. Chad Chatlos of TurnkeyZRG Partners assisted with the search.

  • On Tuesday, the UNC board of trustees approved the terms of Malone's deal.
  • Malone spent 12 seasons as an NBA head coach, including 10 with the Denver Nuggets, whom he led to the 2023 NBA championship and three 50-win seasons.

The players

Michael Malone

A 24-year NBA coaching veteran who was hired as the new men's head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina.

Steve Newmark

UNC executive associate athletic director who will become the university's director of athletics on July 1.

Bubba Cunningham

UNC director of athletics.

Malcolm Turner

Chair of the UNC board of trustees.

Antawn Jamison

Tar Heel basketball legend who served on the search committee.

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What they’re saying

“This is a defining moment for Carolina basketball and for our University, and it calls on all of us to embrace our shared responsibility to steward its future.”

— Lee Roberts, Chancellor, University of North Carolina

“Michael has proven he knows how to build strong, successful teams that can consistently compete in the postseason and win championships — and he knows how to make everyone on the floor better.”

— Bubba Cunningham, Director of Athletics, University of North Carolina

“Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels. It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill.”

— Michael Malone

The takeaway

Malone's hiring represents a major coup for UNC as they look to return to championship contention in men's basketball. His NBA pedigree and proven ability to develop players and lead teams to titles is seen as the perfect fit to continue the Tar Heels' legacy of excellence.