Mike Krzyzewski. Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Coach K has savage response to North Carolina’s coach hire

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 8:37 AM ET

If Mike Krzyzewski is worried about rival North Carolina’s new head coach, he certainly isn’t showing it.

Coach K was a guest on “The Pat McAfee Show” Monday when news broke that the Tar Heels were hiring former NBA champion Michael Malone as their new head coach. The former Duke coach wasted no time sharing his reaction, and he did so by invoking Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick.

“They had an NFL champion hired as the coach and Duke beat Carolina in football this year,” Krzyzewski said. “That doesn’t mean Coach Belichick isn’t a great coach, but there is time for adjustments. I’ve said it takes longer adjusting from the pros to college.”

BREAKING NEWS: North Carolina intends to hire Mike Malone as the school’s next basketball coach#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VVDmFhbk8n
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 6, 2026

Belichick is the perfect example for why hires like this do not guarantee immediate success. He is the most accomplished NFL coach ever, but went just 4-8 in his first season at North Carolina. Similarly, numerous coaches who were very successful at the college level have failed in the NBA.

Malone will be expected to bring immediate success for North Carolina. Count Coach K among those who thinks the program might have to wait a little while to get what it wants.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: