On September 3, 2026, head coach Michael Malone announced the complete coaching staff for the University of North Carolina men’s basketball program for the 2026‑27 season, a roster that intertwines decades of Tar Heel tradition with fresh perspectives from the NBA and top college circuits.
A Staff Built on Legacy
The core of the staff remains anchored by longtime Carolina insiders Sean May, Pat Sullivan and Eric Hoots, whose combined tenure spans 55 years of service to the program, while veteran assistants Jonas Sahratian, Doug Halverson and Kiersten Steinbacher continue to provide stability, and Thomas Malone steps in as video coordinator.
Chuck Martin, a seasoned coach with more than 25 years of experience, joins as associate head coach after stints under John Calipari at Kentucky and Arkansas, bringing a deep understanding of high‑profile recruiting and defensive schemes.
Bryan Tibaldi is slated to serve as an assistant coach, leveraging his role as Providence’s offensive coordinator and his prior NBA exposure with the Cleveland Cavaliers to add strategic depth to the backcourt development.
Jorge Sanz, appointed as both assistant coach and director of operations, contributes eight seasons at Gonzaga and a background in international basketball, offering a global perspective to the program’s day‑to‑day management.
Brandon Robinson returns to the staff as an assistant coach, having transitioned from a four‑year playing career at UNC (2016‑20) to coaching positions with the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz, bringing insider knowledge of the program’s culture and professional game demands.
Deon Thompson, named director of player development, adds 16 years of overseas coaching experience and a championship pedigree as a member of UNC’s 2009 national title team, reinforcing the staff’s commitment to player growth beyond the court.
The assembled group includes representatives from UNC’s last four national championship squads—Pat Sullivan (2009), Sean May (2005), Deon Thompson (2009) and Brandon Robinson (2017)—underscoring a continuity that honors the program’s storied history while preparing for new challenges.
Malone’s vision emphasizes a balance between preserving Carolina’s rich heritage and embracing innovative recruiting philosophies, a dual focus intended to sustain the program’s competitive edge in the evolving landscape of college basketball.
With the staff in place, the Tar Heels enter the upcoming season poised to blend institutional knowledge with fresh ideas, aiming to extend their legacy of excellence while pursuing fresh successes on the national stage.