Mike Malone might have NBA credentials, but attracting assistant coaches for his staff at North Carolina has proven challenging. Malone had his sights set on former Providence College and George Mason head coach George English for his new staff. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that English is not taking the job.
Thamel did not explain why English turned down the job, especially since he had just been fired by the Providence Friars after a disappointing season. English had been an assistant coach at Tennessee and had much success there, then left the Vols for a head coaching job at George Mason before moving to Providence.
English was fired by the Friars after losing to St. John’s in the Big East Tournament. He still had four years left on his contract but after a record of 27-38 over the previous two seasons, the school decided to let him go. He was soon replaced by former South Florida head coach Bryan Hodgson.
Much like English, Mike Malone was once the head coach of the Providence Friars before jumping around college basketball and then to the NBA, eventually leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title in 2023. Malone wanted English to join his staff, as English was supposed to add NBA-style concepts to North Carolina.
Mike Malone Gets Players To Return From Transfer Portal
While Mike Malone may have run into some hiring bumps, he has been doing well with his transfer portal moves. He managed to retain not one, but two Tar Heels players who entered the transfer portal. These are Jaydon Young and Isaiah Denis, both of whom withdrew from the portal.
Denis, who had limited minutes last season, is expected to play a bigger role under Malone. For now, though, Malone is still battling for other players as the transfer portal is about to close.
Read More:
Dusty May’s 2025 Contract Extension: How Much Does Michigan’s HC Earn?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
