Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has been named North Carolina’s new head coach in a transfer that comes as a shock, in line with ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
UNC had been pursuing a high-profile substitute after firing Hubert Davis. Ultimate 4 coaches Tommy Lloyd and Dusty Could have been among the many most well-liked choices however each selected to remain at their colleges.
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan was additionally seen as a prime candidate, per The Athletic’s Brendan Marks, making Malone’s hiring sudden.
Malone, 54, is the winningest coach in Nuggets historical past with a 471-327 document and led Denver to its first NBA championship in 2023.
He had lately been working as an ESPN analyst and was anticipated to obtain curiosity from NBA groups, however as a substitute selected to maneuver to the faculty stage.
In his Sunday column, Marc Stein reported that the Bulls wish to retain Donovan, who obtained a multi-year extension after the Knicks have been denied permission to speak to him about their head teaching emptiness final summer season.
Donovan reportedly wished to attend till after the season concluded on Sunday to satisfy with the Tar Heels however North Carolina determined to pivot to Malone.
With UNC now not an choice, Donovan could now be extra more likely to stay with the Bulls.
Former Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Headed To North Carolina https://t.co/lCSt13UVTM pic.twitter.com/E9Kl5TH23a
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 6, 2026
