UNC Head Coach Holds onto Faith After Major Career Change

Published: March 27, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

University of North Carolina basketball head coach Hubert Davis expressed his faith in God’s plan after UNC let him go following the team’s NCAA March Madness loss.

“Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. My desire was to continue to coach here,” Davis wrote on Instagram. “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. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.”

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“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,” director of athletics 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.”

“Hubert cares deeply for our university, and it has been inspiring to watch him instill that love and Tar Heel tradition into the players he has coached. Chancellor Roberts, Bubba and I join all of the Carolina community in thanking Hubert and his family for all they have done for UNC,” added executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark.

Davis played for UNC from 1988 to 1992, followed by a 12-year stint in the NBA. Davis returned to UNC as an assistant coach under Coach Roy Williams for nine years from 2012 to 2021. Davis helped the Tar Heels win a National Championship in 2017. He then became the head coach of the Tar Heels in April 2021.

Throughout his entire time at UNC, Davis kept his faith at the forefront of everything he did.

“I’ve said this a number of times that I’ve been put, placed, purposed and planned to be in this position at such a time as this,” he said on “The Drive with Will Dalton Show” last year. “I’m on assignment. It is missionary work. It’s an act of service…it’s a position of great honor, and I love being in [it].”

Despite the difficult ending to his tenure at UNC, Davis remains grounded in gratitude and faith, trusting that God is guiding his next opportunities both on and off the court.

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