Michael Malone has never coached a college game as a head coach. That did not stop the University of North Carolina from hiring him anyway. On April 6, 2026, UNC confirmed it intends to hire Malone — the 54-year-old NBA champion coach who was fired by the Denver Nuggets just one year ago — as its next men’s basketball head coach. He replaces Hubert Davis, who was let go on March 24 after a stunning first-round NCAA Tournament loss to 11th-seeded VCU.
- New coach: Michael Malone, age 54
- Previous job: Denver Nuggets head coach (2015-2025)
- NBA record: 510 career wins, 471-327 with Denver
- Championship: 2022-23 NBA title with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets
- Last job before UNC: ESPN analyst (May 2025 – April 2026)
- College coaching experience: Assistant at Oakland, Providence, and Manhattan (1994-2001)
Who Is Michael Malone?
Michael Malone was born and raised in Queens, New York. His father was a coach at the high school, college, and NBA level, and reportedly spoke highly of former UNC legend Dean Smith — a connection that reportedly resonated with Malone when the Tar Heels came calling.
Malone spent 25 years working in the NBA as either an assistant or head coach. He cut his teeth as an assistant with the New York Knicks (2001-2005), Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-2010), New Orleans Hornets (2010-2011), and Golden State Warriors (2011-2013) before getting his first head coaching job with the Sacramento Kings. He was fired one and a half seasons into that role before landing in Denver in 2015 — where he would build one of the best coaching resumes in the league.
In 10 seasons with the Nuggets, Malone went 471-327, reached the playoffs six times, and in 2023, led Denver to its first-ever NBA championship behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. He was also an NBA All-Star Game head coach in 2019 and 2023.
Why Was Michael Malone Fired by the Denver Nuggets?
The Nuggets fired Malone in April 2025 — three games before the end of the regular season. It was a shocking move given everything he had built in Denver. No official reason was given at the time, but reports pointed to friction within the organization over roster decisions and the direction of the team heading into the offseason.
Malone had coached there for a decade. He won a title. And he was still let go before the season even ended.
One month later, in May 2025, Malone joined ESPN as a studio analyst. He spent nearly a year breaking down games from the broadcast desk. As of April 6, 2026, that chapter is over.
How UNC Ended Up With Malone: Everyone Else Said No
This hire did not happen the way UNC planned it. Not even close.
After firing Hubert Davis on March 24, the Tar Heels went after the biggest names available in college basketball. Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens removed his name from consideration early. Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd — heavily pursued and publicly linked to the job — signed an extension to stay in Tucson. Michigan’s Dusty May, who coached the Wolverines to the national championship game on the same night Malone’s hiring was reported, said publicly he was not leaving for any college job. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan were also on the list. Both stayed put.
After nearly two weeks and a string of rejections, UNC turned to Malone. It is worth noting: this is not a desperation hire in terms of resume. Malone is a proven winner. It is, however, the first time in UNC history since Frank McGuire in 1952 that the program has hired a head coach with no direct ties to the Tar Heels’ basketball program.
What helped seal the deal was more personal than professional. Malone’s daughter Bridget is a sophomore volleyball player at UNC. He had attended five or six Tar Heels practices before the season began and told reporters he had “fallen in love with Chapel Hill” from his visits to see her play. Michael Jordan and Roy Williams — two of the biggest names in UNC history — also reportedly vouched for Malone, and their endorsement played a role in the decision.
Why This Hire Is a Gamble for Both Sides
Malone has never been a college head coach. His last job at the college level was as an assistant at Manhattan in 2001 — 25 years ago. The college game in 2026 looks nothing like it did then. NIL deals, the transfer portal, high school recruiting battles — none of this existed when Malone was working the sidelines in college.
ESPN’s college basketball reporters noted that Malone’s first priority will need to be hiring experienced Division I assistants who understand the portal and recruiting landscape. He will also need a general manager to handle NIL — something Hubert Davis famously waited too long to address, not hiring one until February 2025.
The transfer portal opened on April 7, the morning after Malone’s hiring was reported. UNC has top recruits Maximo Adams (No. 21 nationally) and Dylan Mingo (No. 9) already committed — but both are considered at risk of reopening their recruitment until Malone can get in front of them.
On the other hand: UNC is getting a coach with 510 NBA wins, a championship ring, and the respect of two of the greatest players in basketball history. College basketball is increasingly resembling the NBA in structure and player movement. That is not nothing.
What Happened to Hubert Davis at UNC?
Davis was fired on March 24, 2026, five days after the Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead and lost to 11th-seeded VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament — VCU’s comeback was the largest in first-round tournament history. It was the second straight year UNC lost its tournament opener under Davis.
In five seasons, Davis went 125-54. He took the Tar Heels to the national championship game in his very first season, losing to Kansas in 2022. But the program failed to advance past the Sweet 16 in each of the four seasons that followed. Athletic director Bubba 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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Michael Malone fired by the Denver Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets fired Michael Malone in April 2025, three games before the end of the regular season. No official reason was given, but reports indicated internal friction over the team’s direction. Malone had coached the Nuggets for 10 seasons and won the 2023 NBA championship before being let go.
Where is Michael Malone coaching now?
Michael Malone is the new head men’s basketball coach at the University of North Carolina. The hire was reported on April 6, 2026. He replaces Hubert Davis, who was fired after a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to VCU in March 2026.
Has Michael Malone ever coached college basketball?
Malone has never been a college head coach. He was an assistant at Oakland University (1994-95), Providence (1995-98), and Manhattan (1998-2001) before moving entirely to the NBA. The UNC job will be his first head coaching role at the college level.
Why did UNC hire Michael Malone instead of a college coach?
UNC’s top targets — Tommy Lloyd, Dusty May, T.J. Otzelberger, and Billy Donovan — all publicly declined or stayed at their current schools. After nearly two weeks of searching, the Tar Heels turned to Malone, whose daughter plays volleyball at UNC and who had built relationships in Chapel Hill before the coaching search began.
What is Michael Malone’s coaching record?
Malone has 510 career NBA wins. In 10 seasons with the Denver Nuggets, he went 471-327 and won the 2023 NBA championship. He also spent one and a half seasons as head coach of the Sacramento Kings before joining Denver in 2015.
