What was expected to be a calm period for college basketball coaching changes has proven otherwise. One of the sport’s most sought-after positions became vacant on Tuesday evening, as the University of North Carolina dismissed Hubert Davis just under a week after the Tar Heels squandered a 19-point lead in the second half during an initial round NCAA tournament defeat against VCU.
Davis concludes his tenure at North Carolina with an overall record of 125-54, having secured two of the most significant victories in the program’s history. During his inaugural season in 2022, the Tar Heels triumphed over Duke in Mike Krzyzewski’s final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and then, a month later, definitively ended Krzyzewski’s coaching career in the only NCAA tournament encounter ever between the two legendary rivals.
The subsequent years of Davis’ leadership were marked by erratic performance and a resistance to contemporary strategies. North Carolina experienced a significant decline from being the preseason No. 1 team to failing to qualify for the NCAA tournament in 2023, barely making it into the field of 68 contenders last season, and once again failing to advance past the first round this past March.
The individual chosen to succeed Davis will encounter several obstacles. North Carolina is currently undergoing a leadership transition in its athletic department, with veteran college sports executive Bubba Cunningham stepping down and former NASCAR executive Steve Newmark assuming the role. Furthermore, the institution’s key stakeholders are sharply divided regarding whether to renovate or entirely replace the four-decade-old Dean Dome arena. Adding to these challenges is the exceptionally high standard set by Duke under Jon Scheyer over the last few seasons.
Despite these complexities, this opportunity remains a top-tier one, where the appropriate leader can consistently compete for spots in the Final Four and national championships. Given North Carolina’s rich heritage, iconic brand, passionate supporters, and extensive financial backing, the Tar Heels justifiably believe they can attract an elite candidate.
Which prominent figures should be at the forefront of North Carolina’s prospective hires? Here are six influential names the university might consider, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls head coach
Age: 60
Why he makes sense: Few coaches North Carolina could pursue possess a more impressive background than Donovan. The three-time SEC Coach of the Year led Florida to six regular-season conference titles, four Final Four appearances, and two national championships during his exceptional 18-year tenure as the Gators’ head coach.
Donovan has spent the last 11 years coaching in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls. He has previously turned down other premier college job openings, but he may be seeking a fresh start given the Bulls’ 12th-place standing in the Eastern Conference and the prospect of a lengthy rebuilding phase.
Why he doesn’t: Donovan might still be content in the NBA and prefer to remain with the Bulls rather than revert to the collegiate ranks. Additionally, the timing is not ideal, as the Bulls are not scheduled to play their final regular-season game until April 12.
However, the most significant concern could be the dramatic changes the college game has undergone since Donovan departed over a decade ago. While Donovan is an outstanding tactician and a skilled communicator, would he be able to effortlessly adapt to the environment of NIL compensation, unrestricted player transfers, and annual roster turnover?
Todd Golden, the coach of Florida, would be a strong candidate for the UNC position if he chooses to depart Gainesville. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
(Mike Carlson via Getty Images)
Todd Golden, Florida coach
Age: 40
Why he makes sense: Should North Carolina be unable to secure Donovan, pursuing the coach who restored Florida to elite status would be a logical alternative. Golden became the youngest coach since Jim Valvano to clinch a national championship last season. He followed this achievement by guiding the Gators to their second consecutive No. 1 seed and an undisputed SEC title this season.
His approach is analytically advanced. He has also demonstrated a keen eye for scouting talent and a proficiency in player development, successfully bringing Walter Clayton and Will Richard from mid-major programs and developing three-star recruits Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon into NBA-caliber prospects. Golden appears to be among the next wave of coaching luminaries.
Why he doesn’t: The initial hurdle is determining Golden’s willingness to consider the role. Why would Golden need to relocate to North Carolina when he has already proven his capability to win national titles and consistently compete at the highest level where he is currently?
Furthermore, there’s the question of the financial implications even before North Carolina commits to paying Golden and a new staff. If Golden were to leave for another collegiate position before April 15, his new institution would be liable to pay Florida $16 million. This amount decreases to $11 million on April 16.
North Carolina would also need to conduct thorough due diligence regarding any off-court issues concerning Golden. Last season, he was the subject of a four-month Title IX investigation involving allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and stalking. Florida concluded that investigation in January 2025, finding no policy violations.
Tommy Lloyd, Arizona coach
Age: 51
Why he makes sense: For many years, Lloyd served as Mark Few’s most trusted associate at Gonzaga. He wasn’t only recognized as college basketball’s premier international recruiter, attracting talents such as Domantas Sabonis, Rui Hachimura, Kelly Olynyk, and Kevin Pangos to Spokane, Washington. Lloyd was also a versatile coach who designed Gonzaga’s offensive schemes and played a crucial role in game planning and player development.
Since assuming the head coaching role at Arizona four years ago, Lloyd has achieved remarkable success. He has guided the Wildcats to top-two NCAA tournament seeds in four of his initial five seasons in Tucson, positioning them as national title contenders this year. He has demonstrated the capacity to construct elite offensive and defensive squads, and to recruit both top American prospects and leading international talent.
Why he doesn’t: The sole missing piece from Lloyd’s coaching portfolio is an extended run in the NCAA tournament. While he might accomplish this in the coming week, Lloyd’s previous Arizona teams have not advanced beyond the Sweet 16.
Would North Carolina be willing to pay an $11 million buyout for a coach who has yet to progress past the Sweet 16? And would Lloyd opt to leave what is considered the top program in the West — with due respect to Gonzaga and UCLA — to move to the Triangle region?
Dusty May, Michigan coach
Age: 49
Why he makes sense: After leading Florida Atlantic to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and a Final Four, May has achieved significant success in his initial major coaching role. He has demonstrated an astute ability to identify talent in the transfer portal and a skill for assembling complementary rosters in his two seasons at Michigan.
During a rapid 12-day recruitment period last spring, May constructed a championship-caliber team through the transfer portal, acquiring a skilled 7-foot-3 center in Aday Mara, an athletic rim runner in Morez Johnson, a versatile forward in Yaxel Lendeborg, and a pass-first guard in Elliot Cadeau. This quartet has been instrumental in the Wolverines’ 33 wins, including dominant victories over Howard and Saint Louis to commence NCAA tournament play.
Why he doesn’t: Michigan has provided May with all the necessary resources to build top-tier rosters and vie for national championships. He has consistently expressed his contentment in Ann Arbor.
Does he have any motivation to disrupt a successful and satisfying situation? Especially given that one of his reasons for choosing Michigan over Louisville was to avoid the intense media scrutiny and job pressures associated with coaching at a traditional basketball powerhouse?
Nate Oats, Alabama coach
Age: 51
Why he makes sense: His on-court achievements are a compelling starting point. The offensive strategist has achieved considerable success at both Buffalo and Alabama, accumulating 59 wins in his final two seasons coaching the Bulls before elevating the Crimson Tide to unprecedented heights. Alabama has reached at least the Sweet 16 in five of the last six seasons. The Tide’s offensive efficiency has consistently ranked no lower than fourth nationally in each of the past three seasons.
Basketball holds a more significant place at North Carolina than it ever will at Alabama, which prioritizes football. This aspect might appeal to Oats, offering him a position where he would never be secondary.
Why he doesn’t: His buyout clause is among the highest in college basketball. Any institution that recruits Oats away from Alabama would be required to pay $18 million until April 1, or $10 million thereafter.
Moreover, Oats has been accompanied by controversy in recent years, including several high-profile player arrests and instances of poor crisis management. Is this a situation North Carolina would be eager to confront?
TJ Otzelberger, Iowa State coach
Age: 48
Why he makes sense: It’s easy to overlook that Iowa State had a dismal 2-22 record the year before Otzelberger’s arrival. The Cyclones have since qualified for the NCAA tournament in all five of Otzelberger’s seasons in Ames, securing top-three seeds in each of the last three years.
Otzelberger’s success stems from astute player evaluation, a culture rooted in tenacity and accountability, and a defensive scheme that emphasizes aggressive traps and ball pressure to generate turnovers. Iowa State has consistently featured a top-13 national defense under Otzelberger, even ranking No. 1 in the country two years ago.
A financially robust institution like North Carolina could provide Otzelberger with the kind of NIL resources he has never had to assemble a championship-contending roster. The key to Otzelberger’s achievements at Iowa State has been identifying overlooked talent and instilling a determined, underdog mentality to build a team capable of competing with college basketball’s elite programs.
Why he doesn’t: Otzelberger has strong connections to Ames, having served multiple stints as an Iowa State assistant coach before becoming head coach in 2021. His ties might be too deep for him to depart, though a role at North Carolina is the kind of opportunity that could tempt anyone.
Furthermore, there’s the question of whether his hardworking, “blue-collar” coaching style would effectively translate to a “blue blood” program. Could he successfully lead a team composed of highly compensated athletes? And would his track record, lacking an NCAA tournament run beyond the Sweet 16, deter North Carolina from pursuing him?
