UNC fires Hubert Davis after historic NCAA Tournament first-round collapse against VCU

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After the UNC Tar Heels' collapse in the first round led to a quick exit out of the NCAA Tournament, men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis is also heading out the door in Chapel Hill. 

The 55-year-old coach was fired after a stunning defeat to the No. 10 VCU Rams, who mounted the biggest first-round comeback in tournament history to ultimately defeat the No. 6 Tar Heels in overtime, 82-78. 

The school announced the move after ESPN reported Davis was fired. 

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Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the first half against the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

"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," athletic director 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."

Davis, who made four NCAA Tournaments, including the last three seasons, over his five campaigns with the Tar Heels, released his own statement on the matter. 

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"Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill," he