It was all but likely that UNC's coaching staff would look different for next season following the firing of Hubert Davis.
The first domino is one that certainly will hurt Tar Heel fans, but it's a move that makes a lot of sense for this UNC legend.
Marcus Paige is joining Wes Miller's staff at Charlotte
On Friday afternoon, it was reported that Paige will be leaving North Carolina to join the coaching staff at Charlotte. This news comes just days after former Tar Heel Wes Miller was hired as the program's new head coach.
BREAKING: UNC’s Marcus Paige is taking the next step in his coaching career, joining Wes Miller’s new Charlotte staff.
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) March 27, 2026
Details on the move: https://t.co/QJ5UljeRt8 pic.twitter.com/P3Xc4hlsEc
Paige spent each of the past three seasons on the coaching staff at North Carolina. He started as the director of team and player development in his first season before moving into an assistant coaching role over the past two seasons.
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Inside Carolina's report indicates that this departure shouldn't be considered a surprise, as Paige was contemplating pursuing other opportunities.
A great opportunity for Paige
In the coaching world, it's all about gaining experience and moving up the ranks.
For Paige, he collected three years of valuable experience at his alma mater, and is now ready to take that next step elsewhere. Fortunately, that next venture comes not only close to home, but with another former Tar Heel who has very close connections to the legendary Roy Williams.
Seems like the duo of Miller and Paige is a match made in basketball heaven!
Of course we're happy for Paige, but...
It doesn't mean that we're not upset that he's leaving!
Of the assistant coaches from Hubert Davis' staff, Paige was likely was at the top (or very close to it) of the list of assistants that Tar Heel fans wanted to see stay. Not only is Paige a UNC legend, but he's done wonders working with the team's guards (example, Derek Dixon), and has also made strong bonds on the recruiting trail that have helped lure top-tier talents to Chapel Hill.
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He will certainly be missed, but this experience he will get in Charlotte is too difficult to pass up. Who knows, maybe his coaching journey will lead him back to North Carolina someday.