Billy Donovan Leads UNC Coaching Search as Dusty May Steps Out

North Carolina remains without a permanent head coach as the college basketball transfer portal opens Tuesday. The Tar Heels fired Hubert Davis nearly two weeks ago. The program now faces a widening field of candidates and a string of rejections.

Front-runner and his constraints

Industry sources say Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan tops UNC’s list. Donovan, 60, has not coached in college for more than a decade. He won national championships at Florida in 2006 and 2007.

Donovan is willing to consider the role, according to people briefed on the search. He has discussed potential staff members already. That group would likely include former Florida associates and at least one active college assistant.

Donovan wants to remain with the Bulls through the end of the NBA regular season on April 12. That date falls five days after the transfer portal opens. UNC officials worry this timing could hinder roster building.

Contract and competing opportunities

Sources say Donovan signed a contract extension with Chicago last summer. He reportedly has multiple years left on that deal. There is also industry chatter he may pursue NBA openings this summer.

Filmogaz.com sources say UNC views Donovan’s NBA pedigree and college success as recruitment advantages. The school is pressing forward, but the hire remains uncertain.

Other names under consideration

If Donovan declines, UNC has a second tier of targets. The list includes college coaches and a recent NBA head coach now working in media.

• Mark Byington — Vanderbilt. Recently signed an extension. Reported buyout is $10 million to $11 million.
• Ben McCollum — Iowa. Led the Hawkeyes to the Elite Eight in his first season.
• T.J. Otzelberger — Iowa State. Guided the Cyclones to three Sweet 16s in five seasons.
• Scott Drew — Baylor. National champion in 2021. Missed the NCAA Tournament this season.
• Josh Schertz — Saint Louis. Signed a lucrative extension weeks ago.
• Michael Malone — Former Denver Nuggets coach and ESPN analyst. Won the 2023 NBA title with Denver.

Sources say several of these candidates face obstacles. Byington’s buyout is large. McCollum is unlikely to leave Iowa. Otzelberger and Schertz signed recent extensions and may not fit UNC’s culture.

Michael Malone’s profile

Malone, 54, coached Denver to a 2023 title before his late-2024-25 firing. His daughter plays volleyball at UNC. He was present around the program last season.

Malone’s NBA experience includes working closely with Nikola Jokic. That has drawn attention for modern offensive thinking. He also knows agent Misko Raznatovic, who represents top international prospects.

But Malone has not coached in college since 2001. That raises recruiting and staff-networking questions. He may also chase NBA openings this summer.

Recruiting and modern hurdles

Sources say Tommy Lloyd and Dusty May removed themselves from consideration while coaching in the Final Four. Lloyd agreed to an extension with Arizona through the 2031 season. The deal makes him one of the sport’s highest-paid coaches.

Dusty May never seriously considered the UNC opening, according to people briefed on the search. May could win his first national title Monday night against UConn. He is expected to draw NBA interest this offseason.

UNC faces a new recruiting landscape shaped by the transfer portal, NIL, and revenue sharing. Sources say those forces reduce historical program advantages. The school risks a competitive setback if the search stretches longer.

Next steps and outlook

Donovan remains the likeliest outcome at present, according to sources. If he declines, the search may lengthen. That would complicate roster construction ahead of the upcoming season.

Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor developments as UNC pursues a successor. Industry reporting already frames Billy Donovan leads UNC coaching search as Dusty May steps out, shaping expectations among boosters and recruits alike.