The University of North Carolina announced on March 19, 2026, that it had fired men's basketball head coach Hubert Davis following a first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament.

No. 6 seed North Carolina lost to No. 10 seed Virginia Commonwealth 82-78 in overtime at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. The Tar Heels held a 19-point second-half lead before VCU rallied to force overtime.

Athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement: "We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget. 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."[1]

Davis, 55, issued a statement: "Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together." He added that he hopes to coach again soon.[1]

Davis played for North Carolina from 1988 to 1992 before being selected 20th overall by the New York Knicks in the 1992 NBA draft.[2][3] He joined the UNC staff in 1999 and succeeded Roy Williams as head coach in April 2021.[4]

In five seasons as head coach, Davis compiled a 125-54 record (.698 winning percentage), including four NCAA Tournament appearances.[1] His first year, 2021-22, ended with a 29-8 record and a national championship game appearance; North Carolina lost 72-69 to Kansas.[5][6]

The 2022-23 Tar Heels went 20-13 and missed the NCAA Tournament.[7] In 2023-24, UNC earned the No. 1 overall seed (29-8 record) but lost 89-87 to Alabama in the Sweet 16.[8][9] Davis was named ACC Coach of the Year for that season.[10]

Sources

1. University of North Carolina Athletics, "UNC Athletics Statement on Hubert Davis", March 19, 2026, https://goheels.com/news/2026/3/19/mens-basketball-unc-athletics-statement-on-head-coach-hubert-davis.aspx
2. Basketball-Reference.com, "Hubert Davis NBA & ABA Basketball Statistics", accessed 2024, https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davishu01.html
3. Basketball-Reference.com, "1992 NBA Draft", accessed 2024, https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1992.html
4. University of North Carolina Athletics, "Hubert Davis Named UNC Men's Basketball Head Coach", April 1, 2021, https://goheels.com/news/2021/4/1/mens-basketball-hubert-davis-named-unc-mens-basketball-head-coach.aspx
5. ESPN, "Kansas vs. North Carolina (NCAA Men's Championship)", April 4, 2022, https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_