Roy Williams Reacts to UNC's Michael Malone Hiring

While UNC remained very competitive under Davis's leadership, the university felt a change was needed. Malone will now take over as Davis’ successor, coaching in the NCAA for the first time since 2001. He won an NBA Championship in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets and has overseen the development of star players such as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. 

Malone will be taking over a lineage of historic head coaches in UNC’s history. From Frank McQuire to Dean Smith and Roy Williams, UNC’s head coaching position is reserved for the best of the best in the coaching sphere, putting intense pressure on Malone to perform well early. 

In light of his hiring, Williams himself showed his excitement for what’s to come in UNC’s future. Williams was the team’s head coach from 2003 to 2021, winning three championships (2005, 2009, 2017) and reaching six Final Fours (2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017). 

Williams’ Statement 

• “It has been a difficult time for UNC Basketball these last few weeks, and I truly appreciate Coach Davis and his hard work for our program," Williams said, per UNC’s X Account.

• "College Basketball is changing rapidly and today is a great day to welcome Michael Malone as our new Head Coach! UNC Basketball is special and I am excited to have him with our program. He is a proven winner as an NBA world championship coach and I am ready to watch his work as a Tar Heel! This is REALLY going to be fun!"

Malone will now look to revive UNC’s reputation in college basketball and get one of the most prestigious programs in the world back to the mountaintop. Pressure will mount quickly to succeed early, but Malone has proven to be a winner at the highest level of basketball, which could play into the program’s hands with him manning the ship from here on out. As of now, Williams approves.