Reports link UNC search to Billy Donovan, Michael Malone

Field Level Media|published: Mon 6th April, 14:22 2026

Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs his team against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Conflicting reports have linked North Carolina's coaching search to Billy Donovan and Michael Malone.

The Field of 68 reported Sunday that the Tar Heels were focused "solely" on Donovan, the current Chicago Bulls coach who led Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006-07.

ESPN reported Monday, however, that North Carolina intends to hire Malone, who won an NBA championship in 2025 with the Denver Nuggets but has never been a collegiate head coach.

Donovan, 60, has been coaching in the NBA since compiling a 467-186 record with the Gators from 1996-2015.

He is 224-253 with the Bulls (29-48 this season) after going 243-157 with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20).

Malone, 54, has been working as a studio analyst for ABC/ESPN this season after being fired by the Nuggets on April 8, 2025.

He owns a career record of 510-394 as the head coach of Denver (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.

Michigan coach Dusty May and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd are among the potential candidates who have decided to remain at their current posts.

--Field Level Media