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After the UNC Tar Heels’ first-round collapse led to a quick exit from the NCAA Tournament, men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis is also on his way out the door in Chapel Hill.
The 55-year-old coach was fired after a stunning loss to the No. 10 VCU Rams, who mounted the biggest first-round comeback in tournament history to ultimately defeat the No. 6 Tar Heels in overtime, 82-78.
The school announced the move after ESPN reported that Davis was fired.
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North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis reacts during the first half against the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
“We appreciate everything Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader — he’s helped create special memories we’ll never forget,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “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.”
Davis, who made four NCAA Tournament appearances, including the last three seasons, during his five campaigns with the Tar Heels, released his own statement on the matter.
UNC BUGS LATE, BLOWS 19-POINT LEAD IN SHOCKING OVERTIME LOSS TO VCU
“Tonight I was released by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “My desire was to continue coaching 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.”
Davis added that he hopes to become a coach “in the near future.”
Davis’ departure might not have happened if UNC had been able to close the 19-point second-half lead they had over VCU in a game that looked like they were destined for the second round.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis looks on during the first half against the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
But VCU’s relentless offense and UNC cooling off offensively, ultimately caused the Rams to tie things up late. Guard Seth Trimble almost had a sigh of relief for UNC when he stole an in-bounds pass and had a game-winning three-point attempt at the buzzer. But after the ball didn’t touch the rim, overtime ensued and the cold streak continued for the Tar Heels.
Terrence Hill Jr.’s three-pointer with just seconds left in overtime gave VCU a lead it would never relinquish at the end.
Now Davis, who played for UNC from 1988-92 before becoming a first-round pick of the New York Knicks in 1992, is leaving the program with about $5.3 million still guaranteed from his contract, according to ESPN.
Davis went 125-54 during his 179-game tenure with his alma mater, which included a first-year Final Four appearance during the 2021-22 campaign. The Tar Heels reached the national championship game, falling to the Kansas Jayhawks, who also overcame a double-digit deficit to be crowned champions.
North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis looks on during practice prior to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 18, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
After missing out on March Madness in 2023, the Tar Heels earned themselves a No. 1 seed in 2024, but were taken down by No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16, cutting their national title hopes short. Still, Davis earned himself the ACC Coach of the Year Award that year.
