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3w ago

UNC Hands Michael Malone Six-Year, $50 Million Deal to Lead Tar Heels

The NBA champion arrives as UNC’s first outsider hire in decades, signaling a resource-heavy push for fast results.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 5: North Carolina Tar Heels former head coach Roy Williams watches a game against the Connecticut Huskies in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2023 in New York City. Connecticut defeated North Carolina 87-76. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 27: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on January 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Overview

  • UNC introduced Michael Malone on Tuesday with a six-year, $50 million contract that starts at $7.5 million and rises to $9 million by 2032.
  • The agreement guarantees a $4 million salary pool for assistants and at least $6.75 million in annual revenue-sharing for players.
  • A buyout of $8 million through April 1, 2027 declines over the deal, and UNC would owe 80% of remaining pay if it fires him without cause.
  • Roy Williams and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic endorsed the hire, while some fans questioned Malone’s lack of recent college recruiting experience.
  • Malone, an NBA title winner in 2023, is UNC’s first men’s coach in decades without program ties, and his first tasks are staffing and rebuilding the roster through the open transfer portal.