Greg: UNC’s basketball program is providing Hubert Davis with remarkable financial support.
The University of North Carolina (UNC) men’s basketball program is undergoing significant structural changes under the leadership of head coach Hubert Davis. Recognizing the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, the transfer portal, and the increasing complexity of roster management, Davis is implementing a comprehensive strategy to modernize the program’s operations.
A pivotal aspect of this transformation is the hiring of Jim Tanner, a former NBA agent and UNC alumnus, as the program’s first executive director and general manager. Tanner’s appointment is a strategic move to address the multifaceted challenges facing college basketball programs today. His role encompasses overseeing NIL negotiations, managing the transfer portal, and providing overall roster management. This addition signifies a departure from traditional coaching structures, aligning UNC with other programs that have adopted similar positions to navigate the complexities of modern college athletics .
In addition to the hiring of a general manager, Davis is expanding the coaching staff to include positions such as a director of marketing and fundraising for NIL initiatives, a video coordinator, and a recruiting graphics coordinator. These roles are designed to enhance the program’s ability to recruit effectively, engage with fans and donors, and manage the increasing demands of digital media and branding. Davis emphasizes that these changes are essential to allow coaches to focus on their primary responsibility: coaching basketball .
Financially, Davis’s contract reflects the program’s commitment to his leadership. In December 2024, he signed a contract extension that increased his base salary from \$400,000 to \$1.25 million per year, with supplemental income starting at \$1.7 million and increasing annually. The extension runs through the 2029–30 season, underscoring the university’s investment in his vision for the program’s future .
These strategic initiatives are part of a broader effort to adapt to the changing dynamics of college basketball. By embracing modern management practices and investing in key personnel, UNC aims to maintain its competitive edge and uphold its storied tradition of excellence in men’s basketball.
