Mike Malone Poised for New Coaching Role in the US! America Buzzes About Former Jokic Coach's Return /PHOTO/

Pulse Sports Team 19:48 - 06 April 2026

Mike Malone, former head coach of the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic, is reportedly set to become the new head coach of the University of North Carolina, according to American media reports.

According to ESPN journalist Pete Thamel, Malone is set to take over the Tar Heels, replacing Hubert Davis, who was dismissed after their NCAA Tournament first-round exit against VCU.

Malone previously spent ten seasons as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, leading them to their sole NBA championship in 2023.

He was fired last April, just before the playoffs, following a series of poor results for the Colorado franchise. His assistant, David Adelman, then took over the team.

After his departure from the Nuggets, Malone joined ESPN as an analyst. Now, he's reportedly poised for a return to coaching with the six-time NCAA champions. North Carolina last won the title in 2017 and reached another final in 2022.

Before his tenure in Denver, Malone also coached the Sacramento Kings, accumulating a total of 510 wins in the NBA.