Hubert Davis was recently let go by the North Carolina Tar Heels. Davis was the epitome of loyalty and passion, as he started his coaching career with his alma mater before becoming the head coach. For 11 years, he was the assistant coach to Roy Williams, who was the head coach for 18 years from 2003 to 2021. Davis was made head coach of the Tar Heels in 2021.
Everybody respected Davis. Whether when he was the assistant or after his promotion to head coach, all the players who played under him only had good things to say about him. However, there has been a consensus in the college basketball world that the decision to fire him, although harsh, was correct and much needed for UNC’s growth.
The news of the firing spread like wildfire around the college basketball world. Reports suggest that Hubert Davis was given a chance to step down, but he believed he could still give his all to his alma mater. However, a rather shocking loss to the VCU Rams in the first round of the NCAA Tournament sealed Davis’ fate. Many believe he only had himself to blame. However, analyst Stephen A. Smith begs to differ. He blamed UNC’s rival, Duke’s success over the past few years, for Hubert Davis’ firing.
“North Carolina, for the second straight year, is out in the first round after not making the tournament two years ago,” Smith said. So the last three years, they haven’t had a lot going on while Duke’s been to a Final Four or whatever. Here’s my attitude. Jon Scheyer for the Duke Blue Devils got Hubert Davis fired. That’s how I look at it. Hubert Davis is out because of the job that Jon Scheyer is doing over there at Duke.”
Smith explained that Duke, being the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and getting 30-plus wins, certainly affected UNC’s mindset for the future. He said Duke has been to the Final Four and has done well even after legend Mike Krzyzewski stepped down. The analyst added that Duke hasn’t missed a beat under Scheyer, and the only thing remaining is the elusive national championship.
“In the case of Hubert Davis, he had five years. He still won 70% of his games, four NCAA tournament appearances. 2022 Final Four, lost in the national championship game, his first year at the helm. Went to the Sweet 16 a couple of years later. Had a regular season title and a Coach of the Year title on his resume, but nevertheless pale in comparison to what Jon Scheyer is doing at Duke. What’s he doing at Duke? There’s no way around this. I think that’s the reason he’s gone,” Smith added.
Hubert Davis’ Time at North Carolina Tar Heels
Hubert Davis was the obvious successor to Roy Williams, as his contribution to the coaching staff was valued and known to all. UNC won the national championship in 2017 with Williams and Davis leading the team.
After Davis became the head coach, the Tar Heels played in the Final Four in 2022 and won the ACC regular-season championship in 2024. He also won the ACC Coach of the Year award in 2024.
However, for a program like North Carolina, this wasn’t enough success. The question remains who will replace Hubert Davis?
Read more:
“This Is So Corny”: Fans React As Hubert Davis’ Son Elijah Trolls UNC After Dad’s Abrupt Firing
Caleb Wilson Breaks Silence as UNC Parts Ways With Hubert Davis
Hubert Davis Breaks His Silence After Being Fired by UNC
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