The task of being the guy after the guy is never an easy one to take on, but that was the position that Hubert Davis found himself in 2021 at North Carolina after the legendary Roy Williams retired.
Williams led the program to three national championships, posting a 485-163 record at his alma mater and totaling 900 across his career. He also won 12 ACC titles between the regular season and ACC Tournament, and appeared in five Final Fours.
As for his successor whom he hand-selected himself, Davis made the NCAA Tournament Final in year one, but was unable to sustain success. Following the team’s 82-78 loss to VCU last Thursday, the Tar Heels have now been eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row.
In addition to the team not consistently making deep runs or contending in the ACC, they have also taken a hit in recruiting. With the standard not being met, North Carolina decided on Hubert’s fate on Tuesday.
North Carolina makes Hubert Davis decision
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis.
In a Tuesday report by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, it was confirmed that North Carolina decided to fire Davis.
“A source close to Hubert Davis tells ESPN’s Rece Davis that Hubert Davis was fired by North Carolina,” wrote Thamel. “The school did not specify that in the release, which UNC called a “leadership change.” The former UNC coach is set to be owed nearly $5.3 million, per his contract.”
Although it’s early in the process, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed that Florida’s Todd Golden and Alabama’s Nate Oats are among the notable names to look out for as replacements for Davis.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.