ESPN used to be the flagship station for all things sports. Now, the company is just a joke.
If you're looking for a collection of bad takes, look no further than ESPN's First Take. We all remember how Cam Newton trashed Drake Maye on the show during the 2025 NFL season, which should've been everyone's clear indication to boycot the show completely.
Drake Maye dissed for giving an opinion by ESPN personalities paid to give opinions
Now, Stephen A. Smith, a man who thinks he's right just because he yells and screams on air and talks down to people, continues to hound a ridiculous UNC take that will simply never happen.
Stephen A. Smith is obsessed with this potential coaching hire
Smith continues to drive home the notion that UNC's next head coach should stay in the family.
His suggestion: Kenny "The Jet" Smith.
"Knowing North Carolina, they're looking internally first. ... I believe that Kenny "The Jet" Smith is that dude."
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 25, 2026
—@stephenasmith on his pick for the next UNC men's basketball head coach 👀 pic.twitter.com/G4s4MS6DNm
We love Kenny "The Jet" Smith, but...
One of the major driving points toward making a head coaching change was to bring in an elite-level, national champion resume caliber coach.
After parting ways with Hubert Davis, a first-time head coach, why would anyone think that the university would turn the reins over to another alumni who comes with no prior coaching experience?
ESPN already has the Billy Donovan to UNC speculation flying off the radar
Plus, Smith is 61-years-old. Unlike the hiring of Bill Belichick, the hope is that UNC finds a younger coach they can build around for years to come. Would Smith be someone who would want to leave the broadcast booth to coach the Tar Heels for an extended period of time?
While he might be up for the challenge, it's highly unlikely that the university would be willing to take the risk.
A message for Stephen A. Smith
As much as you advocate for Kenny Smith, it's time you actually keep tabs on what's going on with the situation.
North Carolina has made it extremely clear that they are looking for an experienced head coach. As much as you care to grandstand about the situation, your opinion doesn't hold much value, as it's safe to say that Bubba Cunningham and Steve Newmark are certainly not watching your show to get a grasp of how to go about determining the next head coach of the UNC basketball program.