Sounds like a Bjork move lol

I'm getting a bit more insight on Mike Malone from the Tar Heel Reddit forum. Most importantly, he's spent a lot of time in Chapel Hill because of his daughter's volleyball experience. These visits have extended to sitting in on UNC basketball practices and even addressing the team. Much of this comes out in an October 2025 interview (posted below) in which he shows a good understanding of UNC team dynamics. Obviously, Malone still faces a huge transiton from pro to college basketball but this interview is encouraging. FWIW.

BubblesMcGee said:

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Malone had been mentioned as a possibility by Tyler Hansbrough. Apparently, Malone's daughter plays volleyball at UNC. The main reaction locally seems to be "surprise." Complaints about the search - no candidate locked away at the time of Hubert's firing - were taking a toll. Sadly, the reference to Belichick may be appropriate. Time will tell.

https://keepingitheel.com/tyler-hansbrough-s-new-shortlist-for-unc-coach-includes-a-total-wildcard-option

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On the bright side, the expectations are clear. You either make the tourney your first year or you're gone.

BubblesMcGee said:

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Malone had been mentioned as a possibility by Tyler Hansbrough. Apparently, Malone's daughter plays volleyball at UNC. The main reaction locally seems to be "surprise." Complaints about the search - no candidate locked away at the time of Hubert's firing - were taking a toll. Sadly, the reference to Belichick may be appropriate. Time will tell.

https://keepingitheel.com/tyler-hansbrough-s-new-shortlist-for-unc-coach-includes-a-total-wildcard-option

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So far almost Every top 10 program ( I would consider UNC basketball a top 10 Jo. ) has to learn this lesson the hard way.
Really good Coaches who are in really good situations aren't leaving their job and the winning team they built to take over a program that was so bad that the AD decided the coach needed to be fired

I imagine the UNC brain trust felt that worst case scenario they could Otzelberg from ISU
Sark has turned out well enough at tu but no way they thought that was the guy they were getting when they created the job opening

How does Sark correlate? Are you sure you aren't talking Sean Miller? That dude has proven he can coach year after year.

UNC was probably guilty of believing in their own mystique. Boosters wanting (insisting upon) a big time hire may have also played a role. On the "mystique angle," I can't help but reflect back on UNC pulling Roy Williams away from KU. However, that was very different. As Roy famously said at his UNC introductory press conference, "I was a Tar Heel born, when I die I'll be a Tar Heel dead." Speaking of Williams, he and Tommy Lloyd at Arizona point to another successful model of hiring long time assistants from successful programs, Williams at UNC under Dean Smith and Lloyd at Gonzaga with Mark Few. But that takes us back to the second point of boosters at blue bloods wanting a "big name." Interesting discussion.

BubblesMcGee said:

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UNC was probably guilty of believing in their own mystique. Boosters wanting (insisting upon) a big time hire may have also played a role. On the "mystique angle," I can't help but reflect back on UNC pulling Roy Williams away from KU. However, that was very different. As Roy famously said at his UNC introductory press conference, "I was a Tar Heel born, when I die I'll be a Tar Heel dead." Speaking of Williams, he and Tommy Lloyd at Arizona point to another successful model of hiring long time assistants from successful programs, Williams at UNC under Dean Smith and Lloyd at Gonzaga with Mark Few. But that takes us back to the second point of boosters at blue bloods wanting a "big name." Interesting discussion.

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Williams an assistant under Dean Smith? I mean sure, but comparing that situation to Lloyd? Really? Can we just say anything?

It was either them or Kansas to make the cut.

So…Dusty May???

We must be looking at this from a different perspective. Likely a subject best discussed over a beer versus a fan site.

Iirc tu got told no by just about everybody and tu fans were not thrilled when it was announced A guy that flamed out badly at USC was going to be the next head coach

Can confirm from ESPN sources that Michael Malone is set to average more than $8.3 million per year on his six year deal. That will put him among the top five highest in the sport, as Bill Self made $8.8 million this year. @murphsturph first reported. https://t.co/ttywkOiVUH

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 7, 2026

Was told UNC was putting up a pretty big financial commitment in the Malone deal, but this is even more expensive than I was expecting. A huge contract for someone with an NBA title but who's also never been a college head coach. A lot at stake for UNC in the next few years. https://t.co/fRrGleZfEr

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) April 7, 2026

As good as a hire as they could get. As someone else mentioned, you aren't pulling away good coaches from good programs anymore. It's either go get that assistant or go get the Mike Malone's of the world - both seem risky. But, I believe Malone is one heck of a coach. If he pulls top talent they will be right back to being top in the country - the same for 99% of coaches.