Watch: Michael Malone press conference live updates, highlights as UNC introduces new head coach

admin_news admin_news
Apr 8, 2026 - 04:00
0 0
Watch: Michael Malone press conference live updates, highlights as UNC introduces new head coach

Watch: Michael Malone press conference live updates, highlights as UNC introduces new head coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The North Carolina Tar Heels will introduce Michael Malone as the next head basketball coach on Tuesday evening. 

One of the most unconventional moves in recent years puts the former NBA championship-winning head coach in Chapel Hill for the foreseeable future. Malone is scheduled to address fans and the media alongside UNC officials at the Dean E. Smith Center. The event will be at 6 p.m. ET. 

Malone won an NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. He's part of the league's 500-win club between two stops as an NBA head coach. 

What channel is Michael Malone's UNC press conference on today?

Michael Malone's UNC press conference How to Watch

Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Dean E. Smith Center- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV: ACC Network, ESPN+

Stream: GoHeels YouTube

Live updates, highlights from Michael Malone Introductory Press Conference

6:20 p.m. ET- Malone is asked about the transfer portal. He said there is an effort to try an save player in the portal in the coming days. Will also look elsewhere. 

6:19 p.m. ET- Malone is asked about understanding the UNC family aspect. He talked about the 15 former NBA players in attendance and knowing they came back for a reason. 

6:17 p.m. ET- There is a 'DES' pin on Malone's suit to honor Dean Smith, the late legendary coach for UNC Basketball. 

6:16 p.m. ET- Michael Malone shouts out Bill Belichick, who is on hand for the presser. 

6:14 p.m. ET- Michael Malone say UNC officials flew to his house on Easter Sunday to seal the deal. 

6:13 p.m. ET- Michael Malone thanks his daughter, Bridget, says he didn't come to watch her play volleyball. 

6:11 p.m. ET- Michael Malone steps up to the podium. Thanks UNC's staff and Antawn Jamison and Kenny Smith on the search committee. "I'm coming from outside the family to be a part of the family."  

6:06 p.m. ET- UNC AD Bubba Cunningham says the program looked both in the NBA and college for the next head coach.  

The legendary Roy Williams will be there to usher in the Michael Malone era at UNC. 

Malone will become the second highest-paid coach in college basketball with a 6-year, $50 million contract, per reports. This puts him right under Kansas' Bill Self at $8.8 million per year, and likely the highest-paid ACC coach. For UNC to get a coach who was at the NBA's highest level is a hit.

An extra fact: Bridget Malone, Mike's daughter, is a freshman outside hitter for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels volleyball team, making this move one with family ties.

Malone will be the 20th head coach for UNC Basketball and the first without ties to the program since Dean Smith was hired in 1961.  

More UNC basketball news:

Read More