Ranking UNC’s Most Desirable Rumored Head Coaching Candidates

The Tar Heels are in the midst of searching for new head coach after firing Hubert Davis.

Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Since firing Hubert Davis last week, the North Carolina Tar Heels have been linked with several head coach candidates. Historically, the program has hired from within, but this time around, North Carolina is ready to take a big swing at an established coach.

Over the last five years, since Davis took over as head coach, the Tar Heels have accumulated eight wins in the NCAA Tournament, which is simply not good enough for a program of this stature.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis instructs his team 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

With that being said, here are the coaches who have been rumored as potential fits in Chapel Hill, who should be viewed from most to least desirable.

1. Dusty May

Apr 2, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan head coach Dusty May during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

While the 49-year-old head coach has been named as a potential candidate for the Tar Heels, it is unlikely he will leave Ann Arbor this offseason. May has compiled a 61-13 record in two seasons as the Wolverines' head coach, reaching the Sweet 16 last season as a 5-seed, and vying for a spot in the National Championship game this weekend.

This season marks the second time in four years that May has led a team to a Final Four appearance. His first time occurred in 2023 as Florida Atlantic's head coach. Since arriving in Ann Arbor, May has constructed championship-level rosters with marquee transfer portal acquisitions, including Vlad Goldin, Danny Wolf, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Elliot Cadeau. The veteran coach's ability to assemble a strong group of players while building chemistry in short order is impressive.

2. Tommy Lloyd

Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd claps his hands against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during 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

Lloyd was hired at Arizona the same year the Tar Heels promoted Davis to the head coach position. In that timeframe, the 51-year-old head coach has compiled a 148-35 record, reaching the NCAA Tournament each year and advancing past the Sweet 16 for the first time this season, as the Wildcats will face Michigan in the Final Four.

At this point, Lloyd is the overwhelming favorite for the job based on comments and the fact that the Tar Heels have yet to hire a head coach, with the transfer portal opening on April 7.

3. Billy Donovan

Apr 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Donovan led the Florida Gators to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007, but has not coached in college since 2015. Currently, Donovan is the Chicago Bulls’ head coach, but the organization is in complete disarray.

North Carolina would love to attain Donovan's services, but the landscape has changed drastically since the last time the 60-year-old was on a collegiate sideline.