Rival Head Coach Shares Thoughts on Hubert Davis’ Firing

Hubert Davis was fired from North Carolina last week, but a rival coach is feeling empathetic for the former Tar Heels head coach.

Davis was let go following the Tar Heels’ collapse in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against VCU. In his five seasons at the helm, he held a 125-54 all-time record and made the NCAA Tournament four times, advancing to the second weekend or further just twice (2022, 2024).

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis instructs his team against the VCU Rams in the first 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

Hubert Davis Fell Short

While the Tar Heels certainly weren’t bad under Davis’ watch, he failed to live up to the expectations as Roy Williams’ successor. Obviously, it’s tough to replace one of the best head coaches in the program’s history, but the university felt that change was needed.

Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis in the huddle with his team during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The move was met with plenty of shock around the college basketball sphere, with some deeming it a hasty decision by the Tar Heels’ brass. The move was so shocking, even UNC’s most bitter rival was caught off guard by it.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer shared his thoughts on Davis’ firing before the Blue Devils were taken down in dramatic fashion in the Elite Eight by UConn. Scheyer and Davis have had numerous battles throughout their respective tenures as head coaches, with Scheyer taking a 6-3 record advantage over Davis since taking the helm in 2022. This past season, the two teams split the series, with each team posting a 1-1 record.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on against the UConn Huskies in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Despite the rivalry, Scheyer explained his empathy for the former Tar Heels leader.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Scheyer Understands the Business

“I’ve got a lot of empathy for other coaches, for Hubert, not just the fact of him coaching at the school down the road, but the fact that he played there as well,” Scheyer said, per the Associated Press. “So, there's the meaning behind it. I understand that obviously well in this position myself.”

“Coaching is a big blessing, but it's also what you sign up for in this business, unfortunately,” he added. “I think this thing is really delicate. I think it's really fragile. I think this week has been an example of that."

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

Once the shockwaves simmer, the Tar Heels will need to focus on finding Davis’ replacement. Some rumors have suggested that coaches such as Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, Michigan’s Dusty May, and Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls could be candidates for the job. Nonetheless, UNC will only consider the best of the best to take over one of the country’s most coveted head coaching positions.