North Carolina predicted to replace Hubert Davis with $16M National Champion, rising coaching star
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The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball made the decision Tuesday night to part ways with head coach Hubert Davis following their NCAA Tournament loss. The university did not provide a specific reason for the move.
“North Carolina men's basketball coach Hubert Davis was fired by the school, bringing a conclusion to a tumultuous week after the Tar Heels' stunning loss to VCU in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The school did not specify the nature of Davis' departure in its statement Tuesday night, simply calling it a change in leadership,” Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello wrote.
Davis reportedly wanted to return as head coach next season, but the challenges of building another competitive roster made that difficult.
“Talking with someone close to UNC program earlier today, Hubert Davis was emphatic to administration that he wanted to stay as coach. But raising money to build the roster was going to be next to impossible. Decision was made to fire him as Davis makes clear in his statement,” On3’s Chris Low wrote.
The Tar Heels are expected to pursue big-name candidates, especially given the program’s iconic status. One name to watch is Todd Golden of Florida Gators men's basketball, whose team was recently eliminated by the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball.
“The defending National Champion head coach, Todd Golden, has been a name floating at the top of the odds for a few days now. Golden has led the Gators to back-to-back No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament and put Florida back in the national spotlight. It’s uncertain if Golden would entertain a move to Chapel Hill, but he certainly would be one of the better candidates for hire in the pool,” SI’s Kade Nix wrote.
The Tar Heels are aiming to make a splash, and hiring Golden would certainly accomplish that. However, Florida won’t let him go easily, as his departure would trigger a $16 million buyout.
Golden is known for his fiery coaching style and ability to get his players to compete aggressively. His teams consistently attack the glass and play with intensity on both ends of the floor. That style could turn North Carolina into a powerhouse in the ACC.