Field Level Media
08 Apr 2026, 01:10 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
Michael Malone, who won an NBA championship in 2025 with the Denver Nuggets but has never been a collegiate head coach, was hired by North Carolina to lead its men's basketball team, the university announced Tuesday.
Malone, a 24-year NBA coaching veteran, has been working as a studio analyst for ABC/ESPN this season after being fired by the Nuggets on April 8, 2025.
'Michael was the first coach we engaged with as part of the search process because of his reputation as a selfless teacher and innovator who brings an incredible ability to connect with players and get the absolute best out of those he mentors,' Executive Associate Athletic Director Steve Newmark -- who is set to become UNC's Athletic Director on July 1 - said in a statement Tuesday.
'He is a brilliant coach who will deliver a modern and disciplined approach to leading our men's basketball program, which is critical in the current landscape of college athletics.'
Malone was set to be introduced at a 6 p.m. ET Tuesday press conference open to the public at the Smith Center on the university's campus in Chapel Hill.
'Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels. It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill,' Malone said in a statement Tuesday.
'I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina Basketball Family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC's championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball.'
The 54-year-old owns a career record of 510-394 as the head coach of the Nuggets (2015-25) and the Sacramento Kings (2013-14). He was previously an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.
Malone was an assistant coach in the college ranks at Manhattan (1999-2001), Providence (1995-98) and Oakland (1994-95).
North Carolina parted ways with Hubert Davis after last month's first-round loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Denver Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Denver Sun.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: Detailing the mission to rescue the two-man fighter jet crew downed deep inside Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump...
TEHRAN, Iran - A historic synagogue in Tehran has been completely destroyed by U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed at least 15 people...
BEIJING, China: China has unveiled new guidance for its e-commerce sector, signalling a push to balance domestic growth with global...
TEHRAN, Iran: Two Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard commanders were killed on April 6 when Israel struck a key petrochemical...
DUBAI, U.A.E: UAE official Anwar Gargash said any deal in the U.S.-Iran war not guaranteeing access through the Strait of Hormuz and...
PARIS, France: France condemned the execution by China of a French citizen convicted of drug trafficking after keeping him on death...
LOS ANGELES, California: A mix of easing housing conditions and rising borrowing costs is shaping the U.S. home market this spring,...
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. military forces have successfully executed two separate, high-risk...
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) Michael Malone, who won an NBA championship in 2025 with the Denver Nuggets but has never...
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches and wide receiver David...
(Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) Dolphins running back De'Von Achane did not attend the first day of voluntary offseason...
(Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images) Mickey Moniak struggled at the start of the 2025 season, hitting .216 through the...
