Former UNC coaching legend led Michael Malone to Chapel Hill

Roy Williams, one of the greatest coaches in UNC men's basketball history, continues to leave a lasting impact on the program. He played a significant role in the hiring of Michael Malone, who spent 12 seasons as an NBA boss. In a Tuesday interview with college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Malone revealed that he turned down the Tar Heels' job three times before discussing it with Williams.

Malone expressed that Williams had a considerable influence on his decision to take the job. Williams won 485 games across his 18 seasons at UNC, with three National Championships to his name. Following his departure, Williams handed the program over to longtime assistant Hubert Davis, who was subsequently fired after North Carolina's latest NCAA Tournament setback.

Malone, who won 510 games across his 12 seasons as an NBA head coach, including a Championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, is developing a strong roster of talent that should generate excitement among Tar Heel Nation. It remains to be seen whether Williams will become UNC's next great coach, reminiscent of the impact he had on Malone's decision to join the Tar Heels.