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What to know about new UNC coach Michael Malone
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- What to know about new UNC coach Michael Malone
North Carolina expanded its definition of "family" by hiring veteran NBA coach Michael Malone as its new men's basketball head coach.
Though he was considered a long shot for the job, Malone might be the most accomplished coach to accept the position at Carolina aside from Roy Williams. Dean Smith, after all, was promoted from assistant to head coach, and while Frank McGuire led St. John's to a Final Four in his final season before taking over at UNC, that résumé is not the same as winning an NBA championship.
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So, what should we know about Malone? Here are some interesting facts about him in case you don't.
Coaching Timeline
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Assistant coach, Oakland (1994-95)
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Assistant coach, Providence (1995-98)
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Director of men's basketball administration, Virginia (1998-99)
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Assistant coach, Manhattan (1999-2001)
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Assistant coach, New York Knicks (2001-05)
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Assistant coach, Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10)
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Assistant coach, New Orleans Hornets (2010-11)
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Assistant coach, Golden State Warriors (2011-13)
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Head coach, Sacramento Kings (2013-14)
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Head coach, Denver Nuggets (2015-2025)
His father was an NBA coach as well
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (R) stands with his head coach Brendan Malone as the clock winds down in the fourth quarter in their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors in Toronto, April 20, 2005. James had a triple double with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 104-95 win over the Raptors. The Cavaliers failed to make the playoffs as the New Jersey Nets defeated the Celtics to lock up the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. REUTERS/Peter Jones PJ
His father, Brendan Malone, had a long and distinguished career coaching basketball. He served as head coach at Power Memorial High School in New York City, then worked as an assistant at four colleges, including Syracuse under Jim Boeheim from 1978 to 1984.
Malone was the head coach at Rhode Island for two seasons, from 1986 to 1988, and spent 25 years as an NBA assistant with multiple organizations. He also served twice as an NBA head coach, leading the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Malone Was Highly Successful in the NBA
Jun 12, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone kisses the Larry O’Brien Trophy after winning the 2023 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Malone, 54, spent 12 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets, compiling a 510-394 record. He went 39-67 in a little more than one season in Sacramento before taking over in Denver, where he coached 10 seasons and went 471-327, winning the franchise's first NBA championship in 2023, reaching the conference finals twice and the conference semifinals five times.
His Nuggets teams finished first in the conference three times and second three times before he was fired late in the 2024-25 season with a 47-32 record following a power struggle with general manager Calvin Booth, a rift that ultimately led to the dismissals of both.
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Excellent Player Developer
May 31, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks with head coach Michael Malone during a practice session on media day before the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Malone helped turn Nikola Jokic from an unknown second-round draft pick into a three-time MVP and one of the greatest big men in NBA history. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. improved every year under Malone's tutelage and were key parts of the Nuggets' 2023 championship run.
He's a Defensive-Minded Coach
Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
He focuses on safeguarding the paint, forcing difficult contested shots, and pursuing relentless, "multi-effort" rebounds. His approach emphasizes discipline, communication, and preventing high-percentage shots, especially in the corners.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Get to know new Tar Heels coach Michael Malone
