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The North Carolina basketball season came to a surprising end in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Questions now surround Hubert Davis’s future with the program.
Jeff Goodman insinuated that Davis is “on board” with being fired. His buyout currently sits just north of $5.3 million.
Does Davis actually want to coach the Tar Heels? His answer could play a major role in the university’s decision-making.
Hubert Davis is on the hot seat.
His tenure in Chapel Hill has been a roller coaster ride. He’s gone 125-54 across five seasons. That was headlined by a national title appearance in his debut.
Since, success has tapered off. The Tar Heels missed the NCAA Tournament in Year 2. They’ve gone 3-3 in the Big Dance over the last three seasons, while just slipping into the field in a few recent instances.
North Carolina’s seasons ended in the Sweet 16 in 2024. The last two have come to a close in the Round of 64. The most recent loss was the baffling.
The Tar Heels blew a 19-point second-half lead to VCU. The Rams forced overtime with a 19-5 run in the final six minutes of regulation. They then won, 82-78.
UNC score eight points in their last 11 minutes of play. It was a complete collapse.
Davis had received criticism in the past for regular season struggles, but his success in the postseason helped keep him afloat. This year’s first-round exit turned up the heat on his seat. Calls for his job are loud.
Jeff Goodman spoke on his outlook over the weekend. He doesn’t think Davis ever wanted the job.
ICYMI: @GoodmanHoops with the latest on Hubert Davis and North Carolina 👀
“One of the things that I don’t think people realize is that Hubert didn’t really want this head coaching job”
🎥: https://t.co/Y47Y9VqHf6 pic.twitter.com/Z6oL5t2rCc
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 22, 2026
“One of the things that I don’t think people realize is that Hubert didn’t really want this head coaching job,” he said on his Field of 68 podcast. “This was something that was brought to him. Roy Williams picked him, and you can’t say no…
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s all on board with (being fired) as well. Give him his buyout… and move on.”
What does North Carolina owe its basketball coach?
That buyout is currently $5.317 million. He received a contract extension in 2024.
Hubert Davis was a star player in the early 1990s for the program, averaging 21.4 points per game as a senior. The year prior, he helped the Tar Heels reach the Final Four.
He then coached on Roy Williams’ staff for a decade as an assistant. Goodman noted that he was widely beloved by the fanbase prior to his stint as head coach.
Now, the tides have turned. He has not met the expectation. North Carolina could choose to move on.
If that is the case, Davis won’t be upset according to the insider. He would gladly take his $5 million payday to part ways.