Michael Malone to Coach UNC Basketball: Ex-Nuggets Coach Takes Chapel Hill Reins

Michael Malone lands UNC job

North Carolina hires Michael Malone, former Denver Nuggets coach and NBA champion, to replace Hubert Davis.

UNC basketball gets a shake-up with Michael Malone's hire, bringing NBA experience to Chapel Hill...

North Carolina is set to hire former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as their new men's basketball coach, replacing Hubert Davis who was fired nearly two weeks ago. Malone, 54, led the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship in 2023 and holds a 510-394 record in 12 seasons as an NBA head coach.

Malone's hiring is considered a surprise move, as he had no prior college coaching experience, but brings extensive NBA expertise. He spent 10 seasons with the Nuggets, becoming the franchise's all-time winningest coach, and previously coached the Sacramento Kings. Malone's daughter, Bridget, is a sophomore on the UNC women's volleyball team, giving him a personal connection to the university.

Michael Malone started his head coaching career with the Sacramento Kings after a decade as an NBA assistant coach. He spent two seasons with the Kings before joining Denver, where he's had immense success.

In his 10 years with the Nuggets, Malone has led the team to eight 50-win seasons, with only two losing records in his first two years. Since then, Denver has consistently performed well, never finishing with fewer than 46 wins. 

Sources: North Carolina intends to hire longtime NBA coach Michael Malone as the school’s next basketball coach. He’s an NBA Championship coach with the Denver Nuggets from the 2022-23 season and has won 510 games as an NBA head coach. pic.twitter.com/JwJmUNRLQT

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 6, 2026

UNC is looking to bounce back from back-to-back first-round NCAA tournament exits under Hubert Davis. Last season, they made it to the championship game, losing 72-69 to Kansas. 

UNC struggled the following year, missing the NCAA tournament for just the fifth time since 2000. They bounced back with a Sweet 16 appearance the next year, losing to Alabama, and won the ACC Championship – their only title under Davis.

Malone hasn't coached in college since 2001, when he was an assistant at Manhattan College. He's bringing a wealth of NBA experience to Chapel Hill.