North Carolina men’s basketball fired Hubert Davis on Tuesday night, according to multiple reports. The program begins its search for a new head coach after Davis spent five seasons in the position following the legendary Roy Williams. Davis led North Carolina to the national championship in 2022 in a run that included a Final Four victory over Duke in Mike Krzyzewski’s final game, but the Tar Heels decided to move on after back-to-back first-round exits.
North Carolina has always been considered one of the top jobs in college basketball, but the rapidly changing nature of the sport through the NIL and the transfer portal has changed the dynamics of what jobs are truly desirable across the country. Fans will think UNC should be able to choose any coach they want. Actually getting them to take the job is another matter.
Front-line jobs don’t often open up without a carefully chosen successor. There appears to be no one in line for Davis’ job, and that will make this the most intriguing hire of the offseason. Here are nine candidates the Tar Heels should consider.
What Oats has done with Alabama is absolutely incredible: five trips to the second weekend of March Madness in the last six years, including four in a row with another Sweet 16 game this week. Before Alabama hired Oats, the program had only two tournament appearances in 13 seasons under Avery Johnson and Anthony Grant. Oats’ teams have a defined style of play with his ‘math ball’, targeting analytically friendly rim attempts, three-pointers and free throws while avoiding mid-range. Many teams play that style, but no one is more committed or successful with it than Oats’ Crimson Tide. There is the question of whether UNC is really a better job than Alabama in the current college career environment. Bama is in the most stable conference and typically has plenty of cash in the transfer portal. I wouldn’t put too much stock in extrajudicial issues like the recent Aden Holloway marijuana ruling. Oatmeal should be North Carolina’s first call and they should make you say no.
Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
There are reports that Donovan could walk away from the Chicago Bulls this offseason as the team fully commits to a rebuild, and he should still be an extremely hot commodity at the college level. Donovan is in the Hall of Fame for his work leading Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. He could have been a legendary college coach, but he took the opportunity to coach Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, which has since given way to a much less attractive situation in Chicago. Donovan is 60 years old and has not worked at the university for a long time. The sports landscape has changed a lot since his heyday with the Gators. He is still a very good coach between the lines and in theory he would only take this job if he knew he was going to receive a huge NIL budget. I’m not sure if Donovan wants to coach in college again, but North Carolina should want him if he’s willing to take the job.
Lloyd is very active in Arizona, and it seems unlikely to me that he will leave to take the North Carolina job as a West Coast veteran. I mainly put it on this list as a sign of respect, because any “blue blood” level program would be wise to try, given its great success.
T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
The 48-year-old has led Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament in all five of his seasons, and this is his third trip to the Sweet 16. His teams always defend at an elite level, with his sausage The defensive finish is his 13th since arriving in Ames. He has also had a top 20 offense the last two seasons. Iowa State is a really good Big 12 program, but it’s not on North Carolina’s level. If UNC wants Otzelberger, they could make a strong push.
Mark Byington, Vanderbilt
Byington has done a remarkable job in his two seasons at Vanderbilt after leading James Madison to an upset victory in the first round of the 2024 tournament. The Commodores had a top-10 offense this year and at the same time had a defense that racked up tons of steals and blocks. Byington was robbed of a chance to make a bigger name for himself when Tyler Tanner’s half-court shot went wide against Nebraska, but I also wonder if Tanner could be one of the more attractive aspects of his candidacy. I see Tanner as a solid first-round pick this year, but I’m not sure the NBA will make it considering his 6-foot frame. If UNC could get Byington and Tanner as a package that could have the Tar Heels ready to compete for something fancy next year. We already ranked Tanner as a top 10 player in this year’s March Madness. You don’t hire a coach just to get a player, especially not in a place like North Carolina, but Byington has a good enough resume and upside to demand real consideration no matter who comes with him.
All Ben McCollum does is win. Who wouldn’t want this guy?
McCollum is the best base whisperer. His teams often play very slow, which seems strange in North Carolina, a program typically known for its dynamic offense. You can’t argue with McCollum’s results after he defeated defending champion No. 1 Florida to lead Iowa to the Sweet 16.
Grant McCasland, Texas Tech
Texas Tech seems like a really good job given their heavy NIL investment throughout the athletic department. The Red Raiders paid to keep JT Toppin this year, and they wouldn’t let McCasland go without a fight. I’m not sure the 49-year-old coach will take the UNC job, but he would be an excellent hire. Texas Tech had a top-5 offense last year and has not finished lower than 27th in offensive efficiency in the coach’s three seasons in Lubbock. He is a fantastic tournament coach with an eye for talent.
Golden won a national championship at Florida in 2025. Would he really go to UNC? I’m skeptical. The Gainesville administration has always supported him. He deserves a mention as a top candidate for any prestigious job, but I don’t see him leaving.
Warriors assistant Jerry Stackhouse
This would be settling for someone from the Carolina family. Stackhouse has long had a reputation as a smart coach, but he made the NCAA Tournament in all five of his seasons at Vanderbilt before Byington immediately turned him around. Stackhouse was a legendary player at North Carolina, but this job seems too big for him right now.