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. That includes NCAA coaches currently employed, assistants on the rise and even some currently retired coaches. 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 (updated 3/30) is Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, who is preparing the Wildcats to play Michigan in the Final Four on Saturday. Lloyd, a longtime assistant at Gonzaga, is 148-35 at Arizona with three conference championships, four Sweet 16 appearances and now a Final four on the resume.

"Lloyd's team dominated a terrific Purdue team in the second half of the West Regional Final on Saturday night and is headed to the Final Four," said Andrew Jones of TarHell27. "It's Arizona's first Final Four since 2001, and the Wildcats look like the best team in the tournament." 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 some of the top names in all of college basketball and the NBA. You can only see who they are by joining TarHeel247.

Who are the top names in the UNC basketball coaching search, and which giant 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.

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