Heel Tough Blog: UNC Fires Hubert Davis After 5 Seasons

CBS Sports

Earlier tonight, the Carolina Athletic department announced that Hubert Davis would not return as the head coach of Carolina Basketball, after five seasons, firing the hand-picked successor to Roy Williams, after serving on his staff for nearly a decade, following a standout career at both UNC and in the NBA. In his five seasons, Davis compiled a 125-54 record, with an appearance in the 2022 Final Four, along with guiding Carolina to the 2024 regular season ACC title. But he couldn’t overcome missing the 2023 NCAA Tournament, after starting the season preseason #1, along with back-to-back exits in the first round in 2025 and 2026, a first for the UNC program. 

On Instagram, Davis posted the following: “Tonight I was let go by the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships, and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.” This means that Davis was fired by his alma mater, joining former UNC coach Matt Doherty, as members of the Carolina Family to be fired by the institution, despite two different circumstances for the two head coaches. 

In a press release sent out via GoHeels.com, both Bubba Cunningham and Steve Newmark addressed the situation. 

Cunningham: "We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach, and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget. This was not an easy decision because of Hubert's tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level."

Newmark: Hubert cares deeply for our university, and it has been inspiring to watch him instill that love and Tar Heel tradition into the players he has coached. Chancellor Roberts, Bubba, and I join all of the Carolina community in thanking Hubert and his family for all they have done for UNC."

This decision will trigger a coaching search that will lead to hiring someone without direct ties to North Carolina for the first time since 1953, when UNC hired Frank McGuire away from St. John’s.

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