University of North Carolina Athletics
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Carolina Announces Leadership Change In Men's Basketball Program
March 24, 2026 | Men's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The University of North Carolina has made a leadership change in its men's basketball program.
Hubert Davis, who has served as head coach for five seasons, will not return to coach the Tar Heels. The recommendation was made by director of athletics Bubba Cunningham and executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark, who will transition to AD on July 1, and accepted by chancellor Lee H. Roberts on Tuesday.
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"We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget," Cunningham said. "This was not an easy decision because of Hubert's tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level."
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Newmark added: "Hubert cares deeply for our university, and it has been inspiring to watch him instill that love and Tar Heel tradition into the players he has coached. Chancellor Roberts, Bubba and I join all of the Carolina community in thanking Hubert and his family for all they have done for UNC."
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UNC will honor the terms of Davis' contract.
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A national search is underway for the Tar Heels' next head coach. Cunningham and Newmark are leading the search, and Carolina has hired executive search firm Turnkey ZRG to assist. Cunningham and Newmark also will consult with an advisory group comprised of key stakeholders including former players, former coaches and supporters of UNC athletics.
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Davis played for the Tar Heels from 1988-92 and 12 seasons in the NBA. He was an assistant coach under head coach Roy Williams for nine years from 2012-21, helping UNC win the national title in 2017. He became Carolina's head coach in April 2021 following Williams' retirement.
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Hubert Davis, who has served as head coach for five seasons, will not return to coach the Tar Heels. The recommendation was made by director of athletics Bubba Cunningham and executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark, who will transition to AD on July 1, and accepted by chancellor Lee H. Roberts on Tuesday.
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"We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget," Cunningham said. "This was not an easy decision because of Hubert's tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level."
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Newmark added: "Hubert cares deeply for our university, and it has been inspiring to watch him instill that love and Tar Heel tradition into the players he has coached. Chancellor Roberts, Bubba and I join all of the Carolina community in thanking Hubert and his family for all they have done for UNC."
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UNC will honor the terms of Davis' contract.
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A national search is underway for the Tar Heels' next head coach. Cunningham and Newmark are leading the search, and Carolina has hired executive search firm Turnkey ZRG to assist. Cunningham and Newmark also will consult with an advisory group comprised of key stakeholders including former players, former coaches and supporters of UNC athletics.
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Davis played for the Tar Heels from 1988-92 and 12 seasons in the NBA. He was an assistant coach under head coach Roy Williams for nine years from 2012-21, helping UNC win the national title in 2017. He became Carolina's head coach in April 2021 following Williams' retirement.
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