North Carolina's search for a men's basketball coach ended with Michael Malone getting the highly-coveted job.
Malone, 54, has never been a head coach at the collegiate level. That being said, he's respected in the basketball world due to his success with the Denver Nuggets. Not only did he win an NBA title, he owned a 471-327 overall record during his run in the Mile High City from 2015-2025.
Even though North Carolina was linked to Tommy Lloyd, Dusty May and Billy Donovan, the athletic department offered the job to Malone.
"Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels," Malone said in a statement. "It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill. I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina Basketball Family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC's championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball."
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In order to ensure Malone would come to Chapel Hill, the boosters for the Tar Heels coughed up a ton of money.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that Malone will earn more than $8.3 million per year over the course of his six-year deal with North Carolina.
"That will put him among the top five highest in the sport, as Bill Self made $8.8 million this year," Thamel said.
UNC legends approve of Michael Malone.
It was previously reported that UNC legends Michael Jordan and Roy Williams gave Malone a strong endorsement during the school's hiring process.
"Michael Malone is one of the best coaches of basketball in the world," Thamel said, via On3. "He’s obviously been an analyst for us (at ESPN), recently won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets. His respect as a tactician, I think, is really important here. Michael Jordan, Roy Williams, the Carolina brass that the gold standard of Carolina really endorsed Michael Malone as the school’s next head coach."
Is Malone the right coach for the job? Only time will tell, but he's certainly got a respectable résumé.
