UNC's New Coach: Intense Tobacco Road Rivalry

0:00On March 25, North Carolina fired men's basketball coach Hubert Davis on Tuesday after five seasons marked by two straight first-round exits in the Brazil. NC AA tournament, the move clears the way for a new leader when the Tar Heel's face rival Duke next season under John Shayer. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham now leads the search for a replacement, and with UNC's story program, they're expected to target big names from powerhouse teams. The prestige of Chapel Hill should draw a deep pool of elite candidates ready to step up. Duke fans have reason to watch closely, as hires from top programs could reignite the fierce tobacco road rivalry. Recent successes in places like the SEC and Big Ten have coaches thriving there who might thrive even more with UNC's resources and fanbase. Among those turning heads are Todd Golden from Florida. Fresh off an SEC regular season title, Nate Oates at Alabama, who's rebuilt a hoops culture. Tommy Lloyd of Arizona, who earned a never-one seed this year, Dusty may now at Michigan after a Big Ten crown and Jai Lucas, a former Duke.

1:05Assistant shining at Miami. This coaching carousel sets up an intriguing matchup next year with UNC poised to reload and challenge Duke right from the start.