UNC urged to hire coach with no experience to replace Hubert Davis

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith made his stance clear on North Carolina’s coaching future, strongly advocating for Kenny Smith to be the Tar Heels’ next head coach less than 24 hours after Hubert Davis was fired.

While discussing the program's future on Wednesday's First Take, Smith said UNC tendency to hire from within may be a factor, but he also called for a different approach. He threw out a few names like Florida's Todd Golden and Alabama's Nate Oats, but there was also one of the most unconventional names yet. 

Smith argued UNC should prioritize Kenny Smith in the process before pursuing other candidates. This is on par with staying in house and not breaking a half-century tradition. 

“If Kenny Smith wants that job, you don’t even think about interviewing another coach,” Smith said. 

But what are Smith’s qualifications? The former North Carolina national champion and longtime NBA veteran has built a prominent media career on TNT and now ESPN's Inside the NBA. However, Smith pointed to his deep ties within grassroots basketball as a defining asset.

More: Phil Jackson to UNC viral fake rumors dupe fans about Hubert Davis' replacement

This means Smith would be a good recruiter, which is a separator in modern college basketball. Stephen A. believes Kenny Smith’s visibility and relationships through summer camps and connections across youth circuits would allow him to compete at the highest level, particularly in an era shaped by NIL and the transfer portal.

Whether that's the case or not, nobody really knows at this point. Smith's public push could lead to something real. However, if there is any level of interest, North Carolina should act decisively. The one-time elite program, needs a solid recruiter, and a potential fit rooted in Tar Heel tradition.

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