Fan Reactions

UNC Tar Heels fans react to Mike Malone’s shocking hiring

Published

April 6, 2026

Ron Chenoy -- IMAGN IMAGES

The North Carolina Tar Heels sent shockwaves through the college basketball world on Monday, hiring former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone to be the team’s replacement for Hubert Davis at head coach.

While Malone has expressed a desire to return coaching, his new role on the Tar Heels was shocking. Many UNC fans are excited about the hire, while others are confused and upset.

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Absolutely STUNNED. In no world did I see this coming

— Aidan O’Neill (@_AidanONeill) April 6, 2026

…what https://t.co/q9YG2v7xZv

— UNC Humor (@UNC_Humor) April 6, 2026

Idk what to think tbh

— cheddar jack (@murphyjacksonn) April 6, 2026

I love it

— cole (@soxfan0707) April 6, 2026

Desperation hires rarely work out.

— Jay Henley (@DukeJay_) April 6, 2026

probably the best hire we could’ve gotten at this point we won’t be starting a week late on portal anymore and with way cbb is now nba coaches are probably the move

— Zack (@okcclips) April 6, 2026

My exact reaction pic.twitter.com/n2NN6PiRft

— 40 (@FortyCal12) April 6, 2026

Great coach, great hire pic.twitter.com/Rsv7YoxxlV

— Nathaniel (@ndonovan99) April 6, 2026

This is the day that UNC basketball died

— Jr ayers (@Juniorayers1) April 6, 2026

Dear Henri Veesaar – please go watch all the film of how Mike Malone used Jokic in Denver. And then go head and come back for another year in Chapel Hill https://t.co/ak9jUad91n

— Isaac Schade (@isaacschade) April 6, 2026

Considering how the last 2 weeks have gone I think this is a great hire

— CAWBCBB (@cawbcbb) April 6, 2026

Why not? He's an NBA champion and has over a decade of head coaching experience. Our previous coach had zero.

— Drew Page (@realdrewpage) April 6, 2026

I genuinely have no clue what to think, I’m still in shock honestly

— Tar Heel Leftie 🐏 ✪ (@GoHeels153) April 6, 2026

I think this could be a sneaky great hire.

— Bob Curry (@bobcurrysf) April 6, 2026

The shocking hire is groundbreaking as the Tar Heels are bringing in a coach with no school ties for the first time in 74 years. While nearly everyone was shocked, the majority of UNC fans seem pleased with the hire.

James Parker contributed to this story.