Incoming AD Steve Newmark Reveals Strategy in UNC’s HC Search

The Tar Heels have a clear vision for what type of coach they will bring in.

Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the North Carolina Tar Heels logo on the shorts of forward Caleb Wilson (8) during the second half against the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The North Carolina Tar Heels are searching for a new head coach after firing Hubert Davis last week, following a meltdown against the VCU Rams in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

This week, incoming athletic director Steve Newmark spoke on the direction of the basketball program and the strategy for finding its new head coach.

Newmark's Thoughts

Mar 18, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis directs play during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

• “For us to do right by the Carolina family, we have to make sure we get the best candidate possible," Newmark said on a podcast. “The one who can lead us for years to come, and have us competing for national championships on an annual basis.”

Obviously, the Tar Heels want to bring someone in to elevate the players and the rest of the coaching staff, which leads to more wins. However, Newmark is also valuing leadership while understanding other elements that go into the job.

Jan 17, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis (right) talks with guard Seth Trimble (7) during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

• “We want to make sure that we have a leader who understands that part of the job is trying to manage the financial component of running a basketball program,” Newmark explained, “And somebody who is engaged and able to energize our fan base.”

Student-athletes now hold the cards, as NIL has empowered player movement, which has emerged as an overwhelming factor in the roster-building component. Newmark wants the incoming head coach to be able to adapt those changes while excelling at establishing cohesion and chemistry on the court.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) bites his jersey against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

• “The landscape continues to change in collegiate athletics,” Newmark continued, "So, we need to have somebody who is adept and understands that, and will be able to navigate that.”

While hiring within the North Carolina family has been suggested over and over again, former players are acknowledging that it will not be the case with this hiring process.

Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with guard Josh Giddey (3) during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Keeping It in the Family

• “The notion of hiring within the family, that’s not [going to] happen,” former UNC All-American Brendan Haywood said. “We have nobody that’s currently coaching in college or the NBA that’s doing an elite-level job, that can come take over and get Carolina where it needs to be.”

• “You’d have to be stupid not to embrace the Carolina family,” one source said. “If he embraces the Carolina family - doesn’t have to wear a Dean Smith pin (like Hubert did) - but acknowledges Roy, acknowledges the history, (is) seen with the former players, seeks their advice … then I think our community is primed to respond.”

Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd walks off the court after an Elite Eight game against the Purdue Boilermakers of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

If North Carolina wants to return to competing for Final Four appearances and national championships, the program must step out of its comfort zone and hire a coach from outside its circle.