The University of North Carolina’s (UNC) search for a new head coach reportedly reached NBA waters, as there were rumors about their interest in the Chicago Bulls head coach, Billy Donovan.
The program is searching for a new head coach after it fired Hubert Davis following their second straight first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels went down against the VCU Rams 82-78 in overtime. Davis was with the program for five years, but his postseason failure led to UNC’s decision.
According to college basketball insider Rob Reinhart, UNC reached out to Donovan for the head coach opportunity. However, the Bulls’ head coach is not interested in the role and is actually pursuing some other opportunities in college basketball instead. Reinhart also added that UNC was never really interested in bringing Donovan aboard; they just wanted to check NBA waters.
Why UNC Fired Hubert Davis?
For the second straight season, UNC’s deep March Madness dream fell apart in the very first round of the NCAA Tournament. This prompted Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham to pull the plug on Davis as he made it clear the move was about program standards.
“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,” Cunningham said in a statement. “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.”
UNC also confirmed it will honor Davis’ contract financially and will begin a national coaching search immediately. Meanwhile, the fired head coach has taken to social to express his gratitude towards the program for the opportunity and mentioned that he would like to continue coaching, thereby sending message to other programs he can be looked as a potential candidate to fill their head coach vacancy.
“Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally 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.”
It remains to be seen who UNC hires as their next head coach.
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