Ranking candidates’ chances to replace Hubert Davis at UNC

There is a job opening in Chapel Hill after North Carolina fired Hubert Davis on Tuesday night. It’s a seismic moment for North Carolina, as one of college basketball’s biggest brands is not only looking for a new head coach, but also looking for someone who is not tied to Dean Smith or a UNC in general for the first time since 1952 , when the school hired Frank McGuire, Smith’s predecessor. Because of the opening, many big names have been tied to the job.

Former Butler coach and current Boston Celtics executive Brad Stevens’ name was circulating before he shut down the rumors swiftly, as reported earlier Wednesday. Because of all the names circulating, let’s break down each coach by the likelihood of that coach coming to North Carolina, starting from very unlikely to very likely. Very unlikely: Todd Golden (Florida) Todd Golden is one of the few names on this list to lead his team to a national championship, as he did last year, when he led Florida to its third national title.

He has emerged as one of the favorites to land the job, but it’s hard to see Golden walking away from a program as strong as Florida. The Gators have reached five Final Fours and won three national titles since 2000. Even before Billy Donovan turned Florida into a powerhouse, Lon Kruger led the Gators to the Final Four in 1994, meaning three of the program’s last four head coaches have taken Florida that far.

Golden’s buyout is $16 million, and he also benefits from coaching in a state with no income tax. Very Unlikely: Dusty May (Michigan) After leading Florida Atlantic to an improbable Final For run, Dusty May is amking Michigan a powerhouse once again. The Wolverines, who are currently the No.