
Thunder take Game 1, expect Suns 'to get better'
Thunder take Game 1 against Suns with a 119-84 victory
Former head coach Kim English has opted not to pursue an assistant coaching position with the UNC men's basketball team. This decision comes as new head coach Michael Malone builds his coaching staff and prepares for the upcoming season.
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The UNC men's basketball team will soon get a clearer picture of its 2026-27 roster, with the transfer portal closing on Tuesday.
New head coach Michael Malone, a proven winner in the NBA, landed his first commitment in Virginia Tech transfer Neoklis Avdalas. Malone also formed a solid coaching staff, including former Tar Heel Sean May.
One member of Malone's staff, however, changed course on Sunday afternoon. Kim English, who struggled over his past two season as Providence's head coach, decided not to pursue an assistant coaching job with North Carolina.
With English's decision, Malone still has May, Pat Sullivan, Eric Hoots and Chuck Martin on staff. UNC could look for another assistant, but it's not a necessity.
English would be a great addition to Malone's staff, but he spent his past five years as a head coach. Despite just two winning records in five seasons, none of which included NCAA Tournament appearances, English is likely searching for a head coaching gig.
The Tar Heels have greater fish to fry, though, like securing portal commitments. North Carolina has the inside track to Utah guard Terrence Brown, while Wake Forest star Juke Harris is rumored to Chapel Hill, but no confirmations yet.
Malone is a first-time collegiate coach, but spent 12 years in the NBA, with his latter 10 seasons leading the Denver Nuggets. Maybe Malone looks to bring a former Denver staffer with him, or he goes inside the Carolina Family.
Regardless of why English decided not to pursue the UNC assistant job, the latter will benefit from this decision. Sure, the Tar Heels could benefit from a former head coach on their staff, but English isn't a proven winner that Chapel Hill needs.
Kim English chose not to pursue the assistant coaching role with UNC after struggling in his previous position as head coach at Providence.
Michael Malone is the new head coach of the UNC men's basketball team, having previously achieved success in the NBA.
After Kim English's decision, UNC's coaching staff still includes Sean May, Pat Sullivan, Eric Hoots, and Chuck Martin, with the possibility of adding another assistant.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Kim English decides not to pursue UNC assistant coaching gig