Hubert Davis’ run as North Carolina’s men’s basketball head coach is over, far quicker than anyone could’ve imagined even just two years ago.
The 55-year-old won’t be back after losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season, the school announced Tuesday night.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Brown was fired, which was not stated in the school’s release.
“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,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said. “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.”
In his own statement, Davis said that he hopes to be coaching again “in the very near future.”
“Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “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.”
North Carolina, a No. 6 seed, lost to No. 11 VCU on Thursday. That followed a loss in last year’s first round as a No. 11 seed against Ole Miss.
The Tar Heels were up by 14 points with 7:11 left in regulation during Thursday’s game before losing 82-78 in overtime.
Davis, a first-round pick by the Knicks who also played for the Nets, had around $5.3 million guaranteed remaining on his contract, according to ESPN.
When Davis — a former Tar Heels player and assistant under Roy Williams — took over as head coach in 2021 following Williams’ retirement, he immediately led UNC to the national championship game as a No. 8 seed, falling to Kansas.
North Carolina missed the 2023 NCAA Tournament but earned a No. 1 seed in 2024, when they were upset by No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16. He was named ACC Coach of the Year that season.
This season, UNC finished fourth in the ACC and lost to Clemson in the ACC quarterfinals.
Davis ends his five-year run as UNC’s head coach with a 125-54 record.
