UNC basketball coaching search 2026: Candidates, hot board, names to watch from Tar Heels experts
TarHeel247 team just revealed their top North Carolina coaching candidates after Hubert Davis was fired on Tuesday, March 24
Arguably the top job in all of college basketball is now open after North Carolina fired head coach Hubert Davis on Tuesday, March 24. It comes following a shocking loss to VCU in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament in a game where the Tar Heels blew the biggest lead in the history of first-round March Madness history. It's the second straight first-round exit for UNC, and the Tar Heels have largely been headed in the wrong direction since playing in the national title game in 2022, leading to the move.
Now the North Carolina coaching search will ramp up quickly, and many of the top names in the sport could be in the mix. Who are the top names on the UNC hot board? If you want the latest on the North Carolina basketball coaching search, see what the proven team of experts are saying at TarHeel247.
The staff at TarHeel247 has more than two decades of experience covering UNC. Andrew Jones is a veteran reporter who is a respected voice in the market. Former basketball star John Henson does an exclusive podcast for the site and interacts on the message board. David Sisk is the authority on UNC basketball recruiting, and Noah Weiskopf is a talented writer and reporter. Additionally, former Tar Heel football player Michael Felder offers his insights and unique perspective on video and on the message boards. Sign up for a VIP membership now and uncover all of the insider info, analysis and more.
And right now, TarHeel247 is offering 75% off annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up. The team at TarHeel247 has revealed an initial hot board, and there are some surprising names on the list. Head to TarHeel247 now to see them all.
Top UNC basketball coach candidates
One name the staff has identified as a potential target on the UNC basketball coaching hot board is Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger. He took over at Iowa State following a four-season span where the Cyclones made it to just one NCAA Tournament and then bottomed out with a two-win season in 2019-20.
Now he has the Cyclones rolling in the ultra-competitive Big 12, taking them to their third Sweet 16 in five years and climbing as high as No. 2 in the AP Poll this season.
"Otzelberger is considered one of the top defensive coaches in the nation," said Andrew Jones of TarHeel247. "He inherited a Cyclones program that was 2-22 overall and 0-18 in the Big 12 the season before he arrived. He has taken them to the NCAA Tournament each season, and his run this far is regarded perhaps the best five-year span in program history." See more candidates at TarHeel247.
How to get insider North Caorlina coaching search updates
The rest of the list includes several other exciting possibilities, including a pair of legendary collegiate coaches who now have NBA jobs, but could be lured back to college hoops. You can only see who they are by joining TarHeel247.
Who are the top names in the UNC basketball coaching search, and which giants names could North Carolina take a big swing on? Go to TarHeel247 to see their UNC coaching hot board and more, all from a team of reporters with extensive experience covering the Tar Heels, and find out.
And remember, TarHeel 247 is offering 75% off an annual VIP membership, so subscribe now before it's too late.
*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for an annual subscription to TarHeel247. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.
