North Carolina Parts Ways With Head Coach Hubert Davis

Tar Heels seek new direction after first-round NCAA tournament exit

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:35pm

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The North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach Hubert Davis are likely headed towards a buyout agreement, ending Davis' tenure after just five seasons. The decision comes following a first-round NCAA tournament loss to VCU, in which the Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead, and a general sense that the program has underachieved under Davis' leadership.

Why it matters

North Carolina is one of college basketball's blue-blood programs, with a rich history of success and high expectations from fans and boosters. Davis, a beloved former player, was brought in to continue that tradition, but has struggled to meet the lofty standards set for the Tar Heels. This parting of ways represents a major shift for the program as it looks to regain its status as a national title contender.

The details

According to college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman, Davis never truly wanted the head coaching job in the first place, as it was essentially thrust upon him by legendary former coach Roy Williams. Despite Davis' strong reputation, the Tar Heels have failed to live up to expectations, making the NCAA tournament just three times and never advancing past the first round. The final straw appears to be this year's stunning collapse against VCU, which has led to growing calls from boosters, former players, and the community for a change in leadership.

  • On March 18, 2026, the Tar Heels were eliminated from the NCAA tournament in the first round after blowing a 19-point lead against VCU.
  • On March 19, 2026, college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported that Davis and North Carolina are likely headed towards a buyout agreement.

The players

Hubert Davis

The 55-year-old head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, who is expected to part ways with the program after five seasons.

Roy Williams

The legendary former head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, who hand-picked Davis to succeed him in 2021.

Bubba Cunningham

The athletic director of the University of North Carolina, who is leading the evaluation of the men's basketball program.

Jeff Goodman

A college basketball analyst who reported that Davis never truly wanted the head coaching job and that a buyout agreement is the likely outcome.

Henri Veesaar

The North Carolina Tar Heels' center, who played in the first-round loss to VCU.

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What they’re saying

“One of the things that I don't think people realize is that Hubert [Davis] didn't really want this head coaching job. This was something that was brought to him. Roy Williams picked him. And you can't say no.”

— Jeff Goodman, College Basketball Analyst

“So, Hubert [Davis] took this job as a beloved former player, as a beloved ESPN employee, and as a beloved assistant coach at North Carolina. Nobody's ever uttered a bad word about him. Now he's getting crushed year after year after year.”

— Jeff Goodman, College Basketball Analyst

“Every year at the end of the season, it's important to evaluate all facets of the program and look for ways to improve. The Chancellor, [executive associate athletic director] Steve [Newmark] and I are doing that together now and will continue to have discussions over the coming days.”

— Bubba Cunningham, North Carolina Athletic Director

What’s next

The North Carolina athletic department is expected to continue its evaluation of the men's basketball program in the coming days, with a decision on Hubert Davis' future likely to be announced in the near future.

The takeaway

This parting of ways between Hubert Davis and North Carolina represents a significant shift for one of college basketball's most storied programs. After failing to meet the lofty expectations set for the Tar Heels, Davis' departure opens the door for a new era of leadership as North Carolina looks to regain its status as a national title contender.