Ever since UNC parted ways with Hubert Davis, the hot board has been as active as ever. There have already been links to Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan and Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, with neither coach exactly refuting their interest. More names have been mentioned, but those two coaches seem to be getting the most buzz.
Tommy Lloyd failed in a major way to silence the UNC speculation
With the Tar Heels doing a true national search for the first time in over 60 years, could the program be in a position of power when it comes to the choice of coaches? It's possible and, of course, long-time ESPN college basketball personality Dick Vitate has a name he wants to add to the mix. With that said, this wouldn't scream blockbuster move, right?
Sad in a way when u think of Hubert Davis’s 5 year record but when coaching at a blue blood school the EXPECTATIONS r so so high. A hot target will be I feel be @VandyMBB l Coach BYINGTON! - via @ESPN App https://t.co/RzArJuAVPa
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 25, 2026
Mark Byington is a solid coach, and he's done a very good job at Vanderbilt. I don't see this as a choice that Carolina fans would be thrilled with. At best, Byington is a Plan B candidate and getting to him would mean that several of the top targets aren't interested.
Dick Vitate suggests Mark Byington as a name to know for UNC
When the guy many Tar Heel fans call "Dukie V" makes any suggestion for North Carolina basketball, it's going to come with a lot of eye rolls, but this one might take the cake. Here we are talking about Dusty May, Lloyd and Donovan, but Vitale suggests a guy that's been to the tournament three times in 12 seasons and never to the Sweet 16. Not exactly a PTP'er, is he?
Listen, all college basketball fans are happy to see Vitale still engaged and enthusiastic about the sport. It's been quite a few rough years for him. And I don't think anyone in good conscience can't respect Vitale's love and, despite the 'Dukie V' nickname, there should be no malice toward one of college basketball's great ambassadors.
But if North Carolina is going to go outside the family to find the next leader of Tar Heel hoops, it isn't going to be to hire a guy that probably isn't as good as the guy that just left. What kind of sense does that make?
Byington to UNC is a hard no. Thanks for checking in, Dickie V.