The University of North Carolina is searching for a new men's basketball coach after firing Hubert Davis on Tuesday night. But the process of hiring Davis' replacement will be different than in years past, as the UNC System president now has final say over the contract, limiting the role of the university's board of trustees.
UNC System President Must Approve Coach Hire
In a memo titled 'temporary suspension of authority regarding athletic operations at UNC-Chapel Hill,' UNC System President Peter Hans stripped the university's board of trustees of some of its authority related to athletics in January 2025. The move came one month after the hiring of football coach Bill Belichick, a process that saw then-board chair John Preyer communicate with Belichick and current UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi, angering some in the administration. Preyer denies that he negotiated a contract with Belichick.
Instances continue to occur where members of the board appear to act independently of their campus’s administration in matters squarely within the responsibility of the chancellor.
The memo states that 'prior to submitting a proposed contract or contract amendment to the board of trustees for approval, the chancellor shall submit the proposed contract or contract amendment to the president and receive written approval. Neither the board of trustees, nor any of its individual members, shall play any role in negotiation of such actions.'
Davis Fired After Five Seasons
Davis, a former UNC player and assistant coach, was fired after five seasons and with four years remaining on his contract. He is owed more than $5 million in his buyout. The Tar Heels are expected to aim high in their search for a replacement, targeting some of the most successful coaches in college basketball.
Search Process Underway
Athletics directors Bubba Cunningham and Steve Newmark are leading the search for a new men's basketball coach, with the university hiring search firm Turnkey ZRG to assist in the process. Cunningham, the school's longtime athletics director who is moving into a new role on July 1, and Newmark, who will assume control on July 1, will consult with an advisory group that includes former players, former coaches and supporters of the department.
Key Takeaways
- UNC System president must approve next men's basketball coach hire
- Board of trustees' role limited after involvement in Belichick hire
- Davis fired after five seasons, owed more than $5 million in buyout
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who will approve the next UNC men's basketball coach hire?
- The UNC System president must give written approval of any contract for the Tar Heels' next men's basketball coach.
- Why was the board of trustees' role limited?
- The board of trustees had some of its authority related to athletics stripped by the UNC System president in 2025 after its involvement in the hiring of football coach Bill Belichick.
- How much is Hubert Davis owed in his buyout?
- Davis, who was fired after five seasons, is owed more than $5 million in his buyout.
