Tar Heels’ Davis Secures Exciting 2-Year Extension Through 2030, Teams Up with Agent Jim Tanner as New GM

Hubert Davis, the head coach of North Carolina men’s basketball, has just extended his contract for two more years, securing his role through the 2029-30 season.

In an exciting development, UNC announced the hiring of Jim Tanner as the program’s first executive director and general manager. Tanner, a former basketball agent, brings nearly three decades of experience in the sport and will play a key role in shaping the future of the Tar Heels.

Davis’s new contract, which features a significant salary increase, now averages $3.2 million per year, up from about $2 million. His base salary has jumped from $400,000 to $1.25 million annually. The contract also includes bonuses and additional pay from partnerships with Nike and Learfield.

At 54, Davis has a deep history with UNC. He was a player under legendary coach Dean Smith before embarking on a successful 12-year NBA career. After a stint as an ESPN analyst, Davis became an assistant coach in 2012 under Roy Williams and took over as head coach in 2021 after Williams retired.

His tenure so far has been eventful. Davis led a surprising run to the NCAA title game in his first year. The following season was disappointing as the team, despite a preseason No. 1 ranking, missed the tournament completely. Last year, they bounced back to win the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Davis named ACC Coach of the Year.

This season, the Tar Heels have had their ups and downs. After starting as the No. 9 team, they struggled in important games but recently found their rhythm, winning four straight and five of six games as they work toward a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Davis recognized the need for change in a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape. He stated that the traditional model for the program wasn’t working and emphasized the importance of building a stronger support staff.

With Tanner onboard, the team is set to enhance its approach to roster management and contract negotiations, critical tasks in today’s competitive environment. Tanner has represented over 70 NBA players and has a strong connection to the university, having graduated from UNC in 1990.

In his own words, Tanner expressed his excitement about this opportunity, highlighting the personal ties he has to Carolina. Both him and his children are proud alumni.

This partnership between Davis and Tanner marks a new chapter for North Carolina basketball, aiming for stability and success in a challenging era for college sports.