After days of speculation, North Carolina has finally decided to move on from head coach Hubert Davis.
North Carolina fans wanted Davis fired immediately after his team blew a 19-point lead against VCU in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. It marked the second straight season that Davis failed to get the Tar Heels out of the Round of 64.
Even though Davis' future in Chapel Hill has been in doubt since last Thursday, the Tar Heels weren't interested in making a quick decision. That ultimately led to an awkward situation for everyone involved with North Carolina's basketball team.
“Not sure I’ve seen many situations like the one that is happening at North Carolina regarding Hubert Davis,” college basketball insider Seth Davis said. “My understanding is the administration asked Hubert if he wants to continue, and he said emphatically yes. To let it go on for this long with no decision is not fair to anyone. At this point it would be very very difficult to bring him back. He would enter next season under a huge cloud. Usually the best strategy in this situation is to rip the Band-Aid off and make a decision one way or the other. To let it linger for this long is unnecessary and healthy. Here’s hoping we get a decision on this one way or another very very soon.”
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
Moments ago, however, ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Pete Thamel announced that Davis won't be returning to North Carolina for the 2026-27 season.
Davis will finish his time at North Carolina with a 125-54 record and a Final Four appearance.
What's next for UNC?
USA Today reported that Davis would be owed $5.312 million if he’s fired on April 1. After all, he's under contract through June 30, 2030.
Clearly, North Carolina's boosters weren't worried about spending money on Davis' buyout and a new coach.
Speaking of North Carolina's coaching vacancy, Florida’s Todd Golden and Iowa State’s TJ Otzelberger are expected to be popular names.
