Former head coach decides not to pursue UNC basketball assistant gig

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.