By R.L. Bynum
UNC’s transition from Hubert Davis to the next coach could be pricey, given the buyout costs for some of the school’s potential targets.
The financial implications for an athletics department that threw an incredible amount of money at Coach Bill Belichick and his football staff are coming into sharper focus. Davis will be paid through the 2029–30 season. The school announced Tuesday that Davis is out as coach, and that a national search will begin immediately.
Here’s a look at the buyout figures for some of the speculated candidates to replace Davis. Two of them are still in the NCAA tournament, with Midwest Regional games on Friday.
Florida coach Todd Golden
If UNC wants to make a run at Golden (top photo), it won’t have to wait since Iowa ousted the reigning national champion and No. 4-ranked Gators 73–72 in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday. Florida finished 27–8.
Luring him from Gainesville comes with a major financial hurdle. According to si.com, the buyout to leave Florida for another college job is $16 million if he departs before April 15, making him one of the most expensive coaches to poach in the country.
Golden has baggage, though, from 2024 allegations that he sexually harassed and stalked women, including students. The university announced on Jan. 27, 2025, that it found no evidence of Title IX violations.
Alabama coach Nate Oats
Oats is another top‑tier coach with a modern system and proven success, including against UNC. His Alabama contract includes the largest buyout in college basketball.
According to The Sporting News, the buyout if Oats leaves for another school before April 1 is $18 million, and that falls to $10 million after that. It would require a large check from UNC, and for the school to wait until the Crimson Tide’s season is over. No. 18 Alabama (25–9) faces No. 3 Michigan on Friday in the Midwest Regional Sweet 16 (7:35 p.m., TBS).
Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger
Known for rapid program turnarounds, Otzelberger is locked into a long‑term deal. His No. 6 Cyclones (29–7) face Tennessee on Friday (10:10 p.m., TBS) in the Midwest Regional. According to KCCI, the buyout for Otzelberger is $4 million, making him a more financially viable candidate.
Others UNC might contact are Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, former Villanova coach Jay Wright, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd, Michigan coach Dusty May, Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington, Gonzaga coach Mark Few, Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland and Iowa coach Ben McCollum.
Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens has already removed his name from consideration, according to Matt Norlander.
Hiring a coach quickly will be imperative, as the transfer portal opens on April 7. Who UNC goes after could depend on the donor appetite for a major financial commitment.
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Photo via floridagators.com
