Jerry Stackhouse, two-time NBA All-Star and current Golden State Warriors assistant, is among the leading candidates for the University of North Carolina head coaching position, according to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. Stackhouse played 18 seasons in the NBA and has built a coaching resume that spans the G League, SEC, and now the NBA.
Stackhouse’s coaching career includes back-to-back G-League Finals appearances with Raptors 905 and a championship in 2017, earning him Coach of the Year honors. He later led Vanderbilt University before joining Steve Kerr’s staff in Golden State.
The Tar Heels are searching for a replacement after parting ways with Hubert Davis on March 24, following a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU. Davis, who was Roy Williams’ hand-picked successor, led UNC to a Final Four in 2022 but fell short of the program’s elite expectations over five seasons. The university will pay out the remaining $5.3 million on Davis’ contract.
Stackhouse’s ties to UNC run deep. Drafted third overall in 1995, he starred under Dean Smith before embarking on a lengthy NBA career with teams including Detroit, Dallas, and Washington. His NBA mentorships under coaches like Avery Johnson, Gregg Popovich, and Larry Brown have shaped his player-development philosophy.
Supporters argue that Stackhouse’s combination of NBA experience, head coaching background, and Carolina roots position him to bridge the program’s storied past with modern college basketball realities, including NIL deals and transfer portal management. His ability to connect with players stems from years sharing the court with stars like Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Allen Iverson.
UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham cited the need for “leadership change” to maintain consistent elite-level performance. The coaching search is expected to prioritize candidates who can restore UNC’s national championship competitiveness while appealing to donors and alumni.
