The University of North Carolina is ushering in a new era for its men’s basketball program, appointing Michael Malone as head coach ahead of the 2026‑27 season.
A New Chapter for the Tar Heels
Malone, who captured an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets before turning to coaching, brings a championship pedigree and a reputation for player development to Chapel Hill.
The Atlantic Coast Conference has released the league’s 2026‑27 schedule, confirming that UNC will play both home and away against traditional rivals Duke and Louisville, while the conference slate now consists of 18 games rather than the previous 20.
Perhaps most notable for fans is the absence of a West Coast road trip; the Tar Heels will remain on the East Coast for all conference contests, simplifying travel and preserving energy for the grind of a long season.
While the full schedule, including dates and times, will be announced in the coming weeks, the early outline promises intense matchups and a competitive atmosphere as the team looks to translate Malone’s vision into on‑court success.