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After the UNC Tar Heels’ first-round collapse led to a quick exit from the NCAA Tournament, men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis is also out the door in Chapel Hill.
The 55-year-old coach was fired after a stunning loss to the No. 10 VCU Rams, who pulled off the largest first-round comeback in tournament history to ultimately defeat the No. 6 Tar Heels in overtime, 82-78.
The school announced the move after ESPN reported that Davis was fired.
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Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the first half against the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
“We appreciate everything Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader; he has helped create special memories that we will never forget,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision given Hubert’s tremendous character and everything he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to more consistently compete at an elite level.”
Davis, who appeared in four NCAA tournaments, including the last three seasons, during his five seasons with the Tar Heels, issued his own statement on the matter.
UNC COLLAPSES LATE, HIT 19 POINTS IN SHOCKING OVERTIME LOSS FOR VCU
“Tonight I was fired from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “My wish was to continue coaching here. This opportunity has truly been a huge blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, the relationships and the experiences with the kids and my staff. I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish together.”
Davis added that he hopes to be a coach “in the very near future.”
Davis’ departure might not have happened if UNC had been able to close its 19-point second-half lead over VCU in a game that seemed destined for the second round.
Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the first half against the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
However, VCU’s relentless offense and UNC’s offensive cooldown finally caused the Rams to tie things up late. Guard Seth Trimble almost had a moment of relief for UNC when he stole an inbounds pass and had a game-winning three-point attempt at the buzzer. But after the ball missed the rim, overtime came and the cold streak continued for the Tar Heels.
Terrence Hill Jr.’s three-point shot with just seconds left in overtime gave VCU a lead they would never relinquish in the end.
Now, Davis, who played for UNC from 1988 to 1992 before being drafted in the first round by the New York Knicks in 1992, leaves the program with about $5.3 million still guaranteed from his contract, according to ESPN.
Davis went 125-54 during his 179-game tenure with his alma mater, which included a freshman Final Four appearance during the 2021-22 campaign. The Tar Heels reached the national championship game, falling to the Kansas Jayhawks, who also overcame a double-digit deficit to be crowned champions.
Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels watches during practice before the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 18, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
After missing March Madness in 2023, the Tar Heels earned the No. 1 seed in 2024, but were upset by No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16, shortening their national title hopes. Still, Davis earned the ACC Coach of the Year award that year.
