UNC has not hired a new head coach yet, so there is no official answer to who will replace Hubert Davis at North Carolina; right now it is all informed speculation based on reports and odds.

Is Hubert Davis really out at UNC?

UNC and Hubert Davis have officially parted ways after five seasons, following the Tar Heels’ historic collapse against VCU in the 2026 NCAA Tournament and a string of early exits. The school has announced that it is launching a national search with an outside search firm and an advisory group of former players, coaches, and key supporters, which confirms that the position is formally open and not just a rumor.

Has UNC already chosen a replacement?

No official replacement has been named as of the latest reporting; UNC is still in the search phase. Public statements describe a broad national search, which usually means they will consider both “UNC family” candidates and high- profile external coaches before making a decision.

Top names being mentioned

Various outlets and commentators are floating likely or popular candidates, but these are possibilities, not done deals.

Some frequently mentioned names:

  • Todd Golden (Florida head coach): National-title winner and back-to-back 1-seeds, often listed near the top of odds and candidate boards, though it is unclear whether he would leave Gainesville.
  • Tommy Lloyd (Arizona head coach): Highly successful at Arizona, showing up on early speculative lists because of his modern offense and consistent winning.
  • Billy Donovan (Chicago Bulls head coach): A two-time NCAA champion at Florida whose name comes up whenever a blue blood opens; reports suggest UNC could explore him if he is open to returning to college.
  • Nate Oats (Alabama head coach): Known for his pace-and-space offense and tournament success, he is regularly linked to major college openings.
  • Other college head coaches: Lists also mention coaches like Dennis Gates (Missouri) and other rising or established high-majors as potential targets.

The “UNC family” angle and Kenny Smith talk

UNC traditionally values hiring from within its own basketball family, which keeps former Tar Heel players and assistants in the conversation. Commentators such as Stephen A. Smith have loudly pushed for former UNC star Kenny “The Jet” Smith, arguing that a program legend should replace Hubert Davis, even though Kenny’s coaching rĂ©sumĂ© is far thinner than most other names being floated.

What to realistically expect

  • Timing: For a job this big, UNC will likely move quickly but carefully, aiming to have a coach in place before key transfer portal and recruiting windows fully shake out.
  • Profile: Expect the hire to be either a proven high-major winner (like a Donovan/Golden/Lloyd/Oats type) or a Tar Heel–connected figure with enough gravitas to satisfy the fan base and boosters.
  • Uncertainty: Until UNC formally announces the hire, any specific “X will replace Hubert Davis” claim is speculation, no matter how strong the rumor sounds.

Bottom line: If you are searching “who will replace Hubert Davis at UNC,” the honest answer right now is that there is no named successor yet—only a shortlist of high-profile and “UNC family” candidates being discussed in news reports and on forums.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.