UNC coaching search: Tyler Hansbrough lists four names for Tar Heels job after Tommy Lloyd extension

North Carolina’s coaching search is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about storylines in college basketball. On Friday, program legend Tyler Hansbrough relayed some of the names he has in mind following Tommy Lloyd’s extension with Arizona, taking him out of the running.

Speaking via The Field of 68, the former Tar Heel All-American laid out four candidates he believes deserve serious consideration as UNC looks to replace Hubert Davis. The list blends rising stars with proven winners, with an intriguing NBA name thrown in there as well.

“There’s a few coaches that I think should get a look,” Hansbrough said. “First of all, Dusty May. We have to make him say no. Who knows if he wants to leave Michigan? Probably not, a little too early.”

May, currently leading Michigan on a national title push, has emerged as one of the hottest names in coaching after his Final Four run at Florida Atlantic in 2023 and his current run with the Wolverines. While prying him away may be difficult, Hansbrough made it clear UNC should at least try.

Another name that stood out to Hansbrough? Iowa’s Ben McCollum.

“I like Ben McCollum too. … That’s a guy who’s won at every level,” Hansbrough said. “I like bringing somebody in that’s pretty hungry.”

McCollum, now with the Hawkeyes, has built a reputation as a grinder and program builder, making him an appealing option for a UNC program looking to reestablish consistency. From there, Hansbrough shifted to more established names.

“The other two names, Billy Donovan and Mike Malone,” he added. Donovan, currently coaching the Chicago Bulls, brings a championship pedigree from his time at Florida, where he led the Gators to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. His name has surfaced frequently in connection with the job, though he has downplayed speculation publicly.

Meanwhile, Malone presents a more unconventional option. The former Denver Nuggets head coach has deep NBA ties, but also a unique connection to Chapel Hill, as his daughter is a student-athlete at UNC.

“I think he came to a few practices,” Hansbrough noted. “My question would be, what do you want? To go back to the NBA, or coach in college?”

Ultimately, Hansbrough emphasized that whoever lands the job will face immediate expectations. That’s the nature of the job.

“What do I want to see? Obviously, I want to see us start to win games and make NCAA Tournament runs,” he said. “That’s what you got to do at Carolina.”

Alas, those expectations are nothing new. UNC remains one of the most prestigious jobs in college basketball, with six national championships and a lineage of Hall of Fame coaches. 

Athletic director Bubba Cunningham has already acknowledged the magnitude of the hire, noting the program’s tradition will play a role in the process. Now, with the search underway, names will continue to surface. But Hansbrough’s message is clear, thinking that North Carolina needs a winner, and it needs one now.