Michael Malone brings a strong NBA background to North Carolina, compiling a 471-327 record over 10 seasons with Denver and leading the Nuggets to a championship in 2023. After his departure last April, he worked as an ESPN analyst.
He has not coached at the college level since 2001, when he was an assistant at Manhattan, but was selected by a search group led by Steve Newmark and athletic director Bubba Cunningham.
He also has a personal connection to the school, as his daughter plays on the volleyball team.
UNC initially targeted experienced college coaches such as Dusty May, Tommy Lloyd, and T.J. Otzelberger, but all remained with their programs, leading the school to choose Malone.
“[Malone] is a brilliant coach who will deliver a modern and disciplined approach to leading our men’s basketball program,” executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark said.
Malone replaces Hubert Davis, who was dismissed on March 24 after the team lost a 19-point lead in a first-round NCAA tournament game against VCU.
Michael Malone Signs Six-Year, $50M Deal With North Carolina https://t.co/gYmtklEZmL
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 7, 2026
