One ACC coach was devastated to see Hubert Davis out of a job at the University of North Carolina, but it might not be for the reason you’d expect.
An unnamed rival coach in the conference gave a scathing comment to Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, expressing dismay at Davis’ departure over fear that it will now boost the program.
“I had really hoped he was the coach forever,” the coach told Goodman. “No one in the ACC was scared of him. I’m worried that they hire someone really good now because if you get a big-time guy at UNC, they could be right there with Duke again.”
UNC made the decision to move on from Davis on Tuesday night after the Tar Heels were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round for the second consecutive year, as No. 6 seed North Carolina lost to No. 11 VCU on the opening day of March Madness.
Davis went 125-54 during five years at UNC after taking over for Roy Williams after he retired.
The former Knicks and Nets player started his run in Chapel Hill by leading the Tar Heels to the national championship game in 2022 before losing to Kansas.
Things took a turn in 2023 when UNC missed the NCAA Tournament before following it up by being a No. 1 seed in 2024, but it was upset in the Sweet 16 by No. 4 Alabama.
Davis was named ACC Coach of the Year in 2024.
“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,” outgoing North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement.
