Michael Malone revealed desire to continue coaching back in October
Michael Malone brings plenty excitement to the UNC men's basketball program. He told another Tar Heel of his desire to continue coaching – last year.
The UNC men's basketball team continues to collect national headlines. This time, it's for good reason, as North Carolina hired Michael Malone to be its next head coach on Monday afternoon. Malone spent 12 seasons as an NBA head coach , highlighted by his final 10 years with the Denver Nuggets.
Malone led Denver to the 2023 NBA Championship, numerous playoff series victories and back to being a Western Conference competitor. In an October appearance on ESPN's "Inside the NBA" studio show, Malone told former Tar Heel Kenny Smith he wanted to coach. Did this foreshadow Malone to UNC?
"The most important thing that I miss is being part of something much bigger than myself," Malone said. "Being in that locker room with the players, being with the coaching staff, celebrating a big win. I love my wife, I love my kids, I love my dogs.
But I do miss being part of that team camaraderie, locker room atmosphere. And I’m looking forward to getting back to that. I’m definitely not done coaching, coaching is in my blood.