Kenny Smith called Hubert Davis’s firing “disrespectful” and praised him for what he did for North Carolina as both a player and a coach. He also said the next UNC coach should want to “retire a Tar Heel,” emphasizing the program’s Carolina family and coaching lineage.

What he said

Smith’s main points were:

  • The timing and handling of the vacancy felt “disrespectful.”
  • Davis “moved it forward” for UNC and shouldn’t be judged only by one loss.
  • UNC’s identity comes from its connected coaching lineage across eras.
  • He said the next coach should want to finish their career at North Carolina.

Quick context

This came after North Carolina moved on from Davis following the NCAA tournament loss to VCU. Smith’s comments were widely shared because he is a Tar Heels legend and his reaction was both critical of the firing and supportive of Davis.

Bottom line

If you want the shortest version: Kenny Smith defended Hubert Davis, said the firing was disrespectful, and argued that UNC should hire someone who truly wants to be part of the Tar Heel tradition.