Trending Now - Tyler Hansbrough Reveals Surprising Candidates for UNC Coach
WHO:
Keeping It Heel - Tyler Hansbrough expressed disappointment over Tommy Lloyd's contract extension at Arizona, which has influenced UNC's coaching search.
On3 - Hansbrough mentioned that Mike Malone is his "wild card" candidate for the UNC coaching position.
On3 - Florida head coach Todd Golden is rumored to be in contention for the UNC coaching job.
Keeping It Heel - Tyler Hansbrough, a former North Carolina basketball player, is involved in the coaching search.
On3 - Tyler Hansbrough is identified as a program legend and former All-American for North Carolina.
WHAT:
On3 - Dusty May is currently leading Michigan on a national title push and has emerged as one of the hottest names in coaching after his Final Four run at Florida Atlantic in 2023.
On3 - Hansbrough stated, “We have to make [Dusty May] say no. Who knows if he wants to leave Michigan? Probably not, a little too early.”
On3 - Todd Golden has compiled a 160–77 (.675) record since taking over at Florida in 2022, including a national championship in 2025.
On3 - Golden is 63-12 over the past two seasons, leading to consecutive No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.
Keeping It Heel - Hansbrough named four candidates for the UNC men's basketball coaching position.
On3 - The candidates mentioned by Hansbrough include Dusty May, Ben McCollum, Billy Donovan, and Mike Malone.
On3 - Hansbrough stated, “There’s a few coaches that I think should get a look.”
On3 - Hansbrough emphasized the need for the new coach to win games and make NCAA Tournament runs.
WHERE:
Keeping It Heel - The coaching search is for the University of North Carolina (UNC) men's basketball team.
On3 - Mike Malone has a connection to Chapel Hill, as his daughter is a student-athlete at UNC.
WHEN:
On3 - The UNC coaching search is in its second week as of April 5th, 2026.
Keeping It Heel - The coaching search is ongoing following Tommy Lloyd's contract extension at Arizona, which occurred in 2026.
On3 - Billy Donovan is rumored to not consider other jobs until the Chicago Bulls' season concludes on April 12, 2026.
WHY:
On3 - Golden expressed satisfaction with his current position at Florida, citing great support and resources available at the school.
Keeping It Heel - The search for a new coach was prompted by Tommy Lloyd's contract extension, which removed him from consideration.
On3 - Hansbrough believes UNC needs a winner to restore the program's consistency and success.
HOW:
Keeping It Heel - Hansbrough noted that if Dusty May declines the opportunity, he favors Ben McCollum for his hard-working mentality and success at every level.
On3 - Golden stated, “I’m incredibly fortunate at Florida right now. We’ve obviously had great success.”
Keeping It Heel - Hansbrough suggested that UNC should attempt to recruit Dusty May, who is currently leading Michigan.
On3 - Hansbrough described Ben McCollum as a "grinder" and a program builder, making him an appealing option for UNC.
(UPDATED April 5, 2026 17:06 UTC)
Tyler Hansbrough expressed disappointment over Tommy Lloyd's contract extension at Arizona, which has impacted UNC's coaching search, and he named Mike Malone as his "wild card" candidate for the position. Meanwhile, Dusty May is making headlines as he leads Michigan on a national title push after his impressive Final Four run at Florida Atlantic in 2023, with Hansbrough emphasizing the need to make May say no to UNC. If May decides to stay at Michigan, Hansbrough indicated that he would support Ben McCollum for the job due to his strong work ethic and success at every level.
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(UPDATED April 5, 2026 11:04 UTC)
Florida head coach Todd Golden is rumored to be a strong candidate for the UNC coaching job as the search enters its second week. Since taking over at Florida in 2022, Golden has achieved a record of 160 wins to 77 losses, including a national championship in 2025, and he boasts an impressive 63 wins to 12 losses over the past two seasons. Despite the speculation, Golden has expressed his satisfaction with his current role at Florida, highlighting the great support and resources available to him.
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(UPDATED April 5, 2026 09:08 UTC)
Tyler Hansbrough, a program legend and former All-American for North Carolina, is actively involved in the search for a new men's basketball coach at UNC, following Tommy Lloyd's contract extension at Arizona, which has taken him out of consideration. Hansbrough has named four candidates he believes deserve a look, including Dusty May, Ben McCollum, Billy Donovan, and Mike Malone, emphasizing the importance of finding a coach who can win games and lead the team to NCAA Tournament success. Notably, Mike Malone has a connection to Chapel Hill, as his daughter is a student-athlete at UNC, while Hansbrough has highlighted May's leadership at Michigan and McCollum's reputation as a program builder.