Hubert Davis might be done at the University of North Carolina.
The Tar Heels were a No. 6 seed in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. However, they fell in the first round, losing to No. 11 seed VCU. Davis, who took over for the legendary Roy Williams, was essentially hand-picked for the job.
But could he be on his way out?
Davis, 55, has been UNC's head coach since 2021. He led the Tar Heels to the national title game in 2022 and a Sweet 16 in 2024. But UNC has lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years since.
Tar Heels fans are growing frustrated.
UNC is reportedly discussing Davis' future with the team.
"North Carolina officials are in discussions with coach Hubert Davis about his future at the school, sources told ESPN, with a decision on his status and potential exit plan expected to unfold in the coming days," ESPN reported.
"Davis' strong reputation at the school as a player, coach and assistant means any potential departure is unlikely to be termed an outright firing, sources told ESPN. Davis has nearly $5.3 million of guaranteed money left on his deal."
3 coaches emerging for the job
If UNC does part ways with Davis, the Tar Heels are expected to go big-game hunting. This is a program that plucked Roy Williams from Kansas, after all.
The first name that UNC could target is Todd Golden of Florida. Golden, who led the Gators to a national title last season, has Florida as a No. 1 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. But many would consider North Carolina a better basketball job than Florida (even though the Gators have won three national titles this century).
"He’s set up for sustained success in Gainesville, but the ceiling might be even higher with the Tar Heels. If Bubba Cunningham fires Davis, he at least has to make Golden say no," Keeping It Heel wrote.
If Golden turns down the Tar Heels, UNC could go after Alabama head coach Nate Oats. The Alabama coach has already tied the program record for most NCAA Tournament wins as a head coach. Oats has turned Alabama into one of the top basketball programs in the SEC.
His fast-paced, offense-first style could fit well in Chapel Hill, which is used to having one of the best offensive teams in the country.
Oats has done well at Alabama, too, though if the Crimson Tide lose in the second round on Sunday night, changes could be pushed.
The No. 3 coach emerging for the job could be Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger. Iowa State is a national title frontrunner in 2026. The Cyclones are a No. 2 seed and set to take on No. 7 seed Kentucky on Sunday.
Otzelberger is viewed as one of the steadiest, most trustworthy coaches in the country at this point. UNC could do far, far worse.
Who do you see UNC hiring if Davis is fired?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.