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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 headed to Chapel Hill.
The 55-year-old coach was fired after a blowout loss to the No. 10 VCU Rams, who staged the greatest 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 had been 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 did for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he helped create special memories we will never forget,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision because of 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 compete more consistently at the elite level.”
Davis, who has appeared in four NCAA tournaments, including the last three seasons, during his five campaigns with the Tar Heels, released his own statement on the matter.
UNC COLLAPSES LATE, EXPLORES 19-POINT LEAD IN SHOCKING OVERTIME LOSS TO VCU
“Tonight I was terminated by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “My desire was to continue coaching here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, the relationships and the experiences with the kids and my team. I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish together.”
Davis added that he hopes to become a coach “in the very near future.”
Davis’ departure might not have happened if UNC had managed to chip away at the 19-point second-half lead they held 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 chill ultimately saw the Rams equalize late. Guard Seth Trimble almost had a sigh of relief for UNC when he stole an inbounds pass and nailed a game-winning three-point attempt at the buzzer. But after the ball failed to touch the rim, overtime ensued and the cold streak continued for the Tar Heels.
Terrence Hill Jr.’s three-pointer with seconds left in overtime gave VCU a lead it would never relinquish in the end.
Now, Davis, who played for UNC from 1988-92 before being a first-round pick by the New York Knicks in 1992, leaves the program with about $5.3 million still guaranteed under his contract, according to ESPN.
Davis went 125-54 during his 179-game tenure with his alma mater, which included a Final Four appearance as a freshman 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 looks on 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 established themselves as the No. 1 seed in 2024, but they were defeated by No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16, cutting short their national title hopes. Still, Davis earned the ACC Coach of the Year award that year.
