Hubert Davis Fired by UNC After Historic Loss to VCU in 2026 NCAA Tournament

Hubert Davis' five-year tenure in North Carolina will end with a historic NCAA Tournament upset by VCU.

UNC and Davis are parting ways ahead of the 2026-27 season, the university announced Tuesday, and the search for his replacement is now underway.

"We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget," Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. "This was not an easy decision because of Hubert's tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level."

According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, UNC "will do an open search and plans for the first time, to actively pursue candidates outside of the Tar Heels' family."

Davis also released a statement, via On3's Pete Nakos, saying he hopes to coach again "in the very near future":

"Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future."

ESPN's Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello first reported the news:

Davis had four years and about $5.3 million remaining on his contract with the Tar Heels, according to USA Today. UNC said in its announcement that the university will honor Davis' contract.

Thamel and Borzello reported on March 21, the day after North Carolina's first-round upset by VCU, that UNC officials were "in discussions with coach Hubert Davis about his future at the school."

Thamel and Borzello noted at the time that Davis' potential exit was unlikely to be called a firing because of his "strong reputation at the school as a player, coach and assistant."

Davis, who played for UNC from 1988 to 1992, worked as an assistant for the Tar Heels from 2012 until his promotion in the wake of Roy Williams' retirement in 2021.

He started out his head coaching tenure with a run to the 2022 national championship game.

Despite regularly bringing in top-10 recruiting classes since then, Davis has yet to make it as far as the Elite Eight again.

The Tar Heels missed out on March Madness in 2023, then made a Sweet 16 appearance in 2024 before suffering a first-round exit in 2025.

UNC looked like they were set to make it back to the Round of 32 after storming out to an early 19-point lead against VCU on March 20.

North Carolina was unable to hold onto the lead down the stretch, however, ultimately conceding a 82-78 loss as star freshman Caleb Wilson remained sidelined with a thumb injury.

VCU's win marked the largest comeback ever completed in the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

That might have been the last straw for UNC officials. Davis will now leave UNC having recorded a 179-125-54 record (.698 win percentage) across five seasons with the team.

Whoever replaces Davis will be tasked with managing the Tar Heels' recruiting efforts as UNC looks to return to contention for a deep NCAA Tournament run next spring.