UNC makes major decision related to coaching search

The University of North Carolina has no clear frontrunner in finding a replacement for Hubert Davis, but the search is about to ramp up in a major way. 

According to a report by WRAL in Raleigh, UNC officials have "Suspended discussions about the future of the Smith Center until the Tar Heels hire their next men’s basketball coach and that coach has had time to develop his program, potentially pushing any decision on a basketball arena decision into the future."

This will allow Bubba Cunningham and Steve Newmark to "focus on identifying and selecting a new head basketball coach" and it will continue "until a new coach has had time to develop their program and focus on the long-term success" of the basketball program, the university's vice chancellor for communications, Dean Stoyer told WRAL.

Davis was fired from his post in Chapel Hill days after the Tar Heels were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by VCU. He went 125-54 in five seasons following the retirement of Roy Williams. 

The debate over a new Dean Dome has been a hot topic throughout the season. One of the key factors has been the location. Some want to move it with new plans being involved, and others are fine with keeping it right where it stands. The costs are different and range between $150 million and $800 million. 

The Smith Center has a ton of history, which is also why traditional UNC fans aren't willing to give it up easily. But at what cost? The 40-year-old venue needs to be updated. For now, any talks will get put on the back burner as the Tar Heels try to find a new coach.