UNC fires Hubert Davis after historic NCAA Tournament first-round collapse against VCU

After nan UNC Tar Heels' illness successful nan first information led to a speedy exit retired of nan NCAA Tournament, men’s hoops caput coach Hubert Davis is besides heading retired nan doorway successful Chapel Hill. 

The 55-year-old coach was fired aft a stunning conclusion to nan No. 10 VCU Rams, who mounted nan biggest first-round comeback successful tourney history to yet conclusion nan No. 6 Tar Heels successful overtime, 82-78. 

The schoolhouse announced nan move aft ESPN reported Davis was fired. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Head coach Hubert Davis of nan North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during nan first half against nan VCU Rams successful nan first information of nan 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament astatine Bon Secours Wellness Arena connected March 19, 2026 successful Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

"We admit each that Hubert has done for Carolina arsenic a player, adjunct coach, caput coach and organization leader – he has helped make typical memories we will ne'er forget," diversion head Bubba Cunningham said successful a statement. "This was not an easy determination because of Hubert’s tremendous characteristic and each he has fixed to nan program, but we must move guardant successful a measurement that allows our squad to compete much consistently astatine an elite level."

Davis, who made 4 NCAA Tournaments, including nan past 3 seasons, complete his 5 campaigns pinch nan Tar Heels, released his ain connection connected nan matter. 

UNC COLLAPSE LATE, BLOWS 19-POINT LEAD IN SHOCKING OVERTIME LOSS TO VCU

"Tonight, I was fto spell by nan University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill," he wrote. "My desire was to proceed to coach here. This opportunity has genuinely been specified a blessing. I convey Jesus virtually each time for giving maine nan opportunity, relationships and experiences pinch nan kids and my staff. I americium very proud of what we were capable to execute together."

Davis added that he hopes to beryllium coaching "in nan very adjacent future."

Davis’ departure whitethorn not person happened if UNC had been capable to adjacent down nan 19-point second-half lead they held complete VCU successful a crippled that looked for illustration they were destined for nan 2nd round. 

Head coach Hubert Davis of nan North Carolina Tar Heels looks connected during nan first half against nan VCU Rams successful nan first information of nan 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament astatine Bon Secours Wellness Arena connected March 19, 2026 successful Greenville, South Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

However, VCU’s relentless offense, and UNC cooling disconnected offensively, yet saw nan Rams necktie things up late. Guard Seth Trimble almost had a sigh-of-relief infinitesimal for UNC erstwhile he stole an in-bounds walk and had a game-winning three-point effort astatine nan buzzer. But aft nan shot didn’t touch nan rim, overtime ensued and nan acold streak continued for nan Tar Heels. 

Terrence Hill Jr.’s three-point changeable pinch conscionable seconds remaining successful overtime gave VCU a lead they would ne'er relinquish successful nan end. 

Now, Davis, who played for UNC from 1988-92 earlier being a first-round prime by nan New York Knicks successful 1992, leaves nan programme pinch astir $5.3 cardinal still guaranteed from his contract, per ESPN.

Davis went 125-54 during his 179-game tenure pinch his alma mater, which included a first-year Final Four quality during nan 2021-22 campaign. The Tar Heels reached nan nationalist title game, falling to nan Kansas Jayhawks, who besides overcame a double-digit shortage to beryllium crowned champions. 

Head coach Hubert Davis of nan North Carolina Tar Heels looks connected during believe up of nan NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament astatine Bon Secours Wellness Arena connected March 18, 2026 successful Greenville, South Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

After missing March Madness successful 2023, nan Tar Heels earned themselves a No. 1 seed successful 2024, but they were taken down by No. 4 Alabama successful nan Sweet 16, cutting their nationalist title hopes short. Still, Davis earned himself nan ACC Coach of nan Year Award that year. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports sum connected X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.