As Lloyd, Donovan Lead UNC Search, Longshot Names Surface

The spotlight is on Lloyd and Donovan, but UNC’s search may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan looks on during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and the Chicago Bulls' Billy Donovan have emerged as the favorites to be the next head coach in Chapel Hill. Based on the comments the two have made throughout the week, there seems to be growing interest between both the head coaches and the vacancy in Carolina. 

Aside from those two, there are a handful of other coaches whose names have floated around in betting circles and discussions between analysts and fans. While less likely than the others, these are the “dark horse” candidates to land the job or, at the minimum, gain serious interest from Carolina for the head coaching position. 

Grant McCasland

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

McCasland has always felt like a long shot for Carolina. In the days of NIL and money being the north star in college sports, there may not be a better situation than McCasland's. Texas Tech isn’t afraid to spend big and will always at least be aggressive in supplying its athletics with the most premier players possible. 

Plus, McCasland is a Texas guy through and through. He’s from Irving and played guard for Baylor in the late nineties. He’s been all over the state in his coaching career, from Midland College to North Texas, before landing the head position at Texas Tech.

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Grant McCasland in the second half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While it would be a home run of a hire, as McCasland has won at every stop in his career, I’m not sure if there’s any job he’d rather have than where he currently is. 

Sean Miller

Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller is seen against the Purdue Boilermakers prior to a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Another potential candidate from Texas, Sean Miller, is currently the Longhorn's head coach at the University of Texas. Miller has done an excellent job as head coach this season, most recently leading Texas to an impressive run in the NCAA tournament. 

In the past, Miller had two stints as head coach at Xavier, but the majority of his head coaching career was spent as a Wildcat at Arizona. 

March 25, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Sean Miller addresses the media in a press conference during a practice session ahead of the west regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

These two guys are both long shots, but both of them would still be solid hires for the Tar Heels. However, it looks more and more like it will come down to the two favorite candidates, and outside surprise candidates seem like a stretch.

There’s a new era brewing in Chapel Hill, and all Tar Heel fans will have to wait just a little longer while the department continues its search to see exactly what the future holds for Carolina basketball.