Nikola Jokic Reacts To UNC Hiring His Ex-Coach, Michael Malone

Nikola Jokic responded to Michael Malone's unexpected jump to college basketball.

North Carolina is reportedly hiring Malone to replace Hubert Davis as its new men's head coach. Malone moves to the ACC three years after steering Jokic and the Denver Nuggets to an NBA title.

Jokic discussed the news after recording a triple-double in Monday's 137-132 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

"I’m happy for him," Jokic said, via DNVR Sports. "It’ll probably look a little different."

As Jokic tried to recall whether Malone had ever coached at the college level, a reporter told him that Malone was a collegiate assistant before landing his first NBA job in 2021. Jokic joked that it "doesn't matter" before predicting a successful transition.

"I’m happy for the Coach. I wish him the best," Jokic continued. "I think it will be a bit different because he was coaching in the NBA for about 15 years, but he definitely has the poise and the brain to do it. I think he’s going to do a great job because he can actually coach the guys. He’s going to have time to coach the guys and show them how to play the game the right way."

Malone's move to college

Malone worked as an assistant at Oakland, Providence, and Manhattan before spending 24 years on an NBA sideline. He established a long-term home in Denver, going 471-327 in 10 seasons.

The Nuggets shockingly fired Malone right before the 2025 postseason, losing a second-round series to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Nuggets are currently third in the Western Conference standings under head coach David Adelman, Malone shifted to broadcasting as an ESPN analyst.

Malone will return to coaching for the Tar Heels, who fired Davis after their second straight first-round March Madness elimination. UNC lost to VCU in overtime as a No. 6 seed on March 19.

One of the nation's most prestigious college basketball programs will aim to restore its glory under Malone. Davis led the Tar Heels to the National Championship Game in 2022, but they haven't won a title since 2017.