ESPN host hits UNC with reality check about Hubert Davis

ESPN host Scott Van Pelt offered his assessment of North Carolina’s coaching situation, saying the program must be fully prepared before making any move involving Hubert Davis.

During an appearance on the Field of 68 podcast with former ESPN writer Jeff Goodman, Van Pelt explained that any discussion about Davis begins with respect for his character. This is felt across the board. 

“Every conversation about him starts with the caveat that he’s one of the most wonderful guys anyone knows, because he is,” Van Pelt said. “But Carolina can’t be in the business of great guys who are not Carolina-level coaches.”

Van Pelt’s argument focused on what might happen next with UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham and his decision moving forward. If North Carolina decides to move on, the school must already have its next coach secured or firmly in place.

“All I’ll say is this. If you’re doing it, you need to have your hire made before you announce that he’s not coming back,” Van Pelt added. “You need to know who that person is.”

Even traditional powerhouse programs are not immune to misjudging the coaching market. Remember that perceived top candidates don’t always materialize in the end. But like Van Pelt drilled down on, this can't be a miss. 

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“You’re North Carolina, so you should be able to get somebody,” he said. “But who you can actually get is always kind of amazing. And sometimes it’s worse than you think.”

If Davis is out the door in Chapel Hill, a seamless transition is critical. The Tar Heels should only act if a replacement is already lined up, allowing the program to quickly pivot and maintain the future recruits coming to UNC. 

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