Date announced!!! Emotional!!! Netflix has announced the release date for a special documentary honoring the legendary North Carolina Tar Heels basketball Head Coach Dean Smith. The film, which will celebrate Smith’s remarkable life and Career……..
In a moment that has stirred hearts across the basketball world, Netflix has officially announced the release date for a special documentary dedicated to the life, legacy, and remarkable career of Dean Smith, the legendary head coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team. The highly anticipated documentary, titled “Dean Smith: More Than a Coach”, is set to premiere globally on August 15, 2025, and promises to be an emotional tribute to one of the most iconic figures in college basketball history.
Dean Smith, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, left behind a towering legacy—not only in terms of wins and championships but in how he transformed lives both on and off the court. Smith served as the head coach at UNC from 1961 to 1997, guiding the Tar Heels to 879 victories, two national championships (1982 and 1993), and an NCAA-record 27 NCAA tournament appearances at the time of his retirement.
More than the accolades, it was Smith’s values, humility, and commitment to social justice that made him a revered figure. This new Netflix documentary aims to capture the full essence of the man who mentored legends like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter. According to a press release by Netflix, the film will delve into never-before-seen archival footage, intimate interviews with former players, coaches, family members, and even political figures, offering a nuanced portrait of a man whose influence extended far beyond the basketball court.
A Deeply Personal Narrative
The documentary, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay, promises to explore Smith’s life through a deeply personal lens. “Coach Smith was a quiet revolutionary,” DuVernay said in a statement. “He coached basketball, yes—but more importantly, he coached character, leadership, and courage. This film seeks to honor the depth of his influence on sports and on American culture.”
Among the many emotional highlights teased by Netflix is exclusive commentary from Michael Jordan, who famously credited Dean Smith as one of the most important mentors in his life. “Coach Smith taught me the game, but more than that, he taught me how to carry myself as a man,” Jordan reportedly says in the film.
The documentary will also touch on Smith’s pivotal role in integrating college basketball in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. He recruited Charlie Scott, UNC’s first Black scholarship athlete, at a time when racial tensions were high and such moves were still controversial. Smith’s activism—quiet but consistent—was instrumental in transforming UNC into a progressive and inclusive institution.
Emotional Reactions and Anticipation
Social media erupted with emotion shortly after the announcement, with former players, fans, and sports journalists sharing heartfelt tributes and anticipation for the film. “#DeanSmithDoc” began trending within hours, with countless users sharing how Smith’s coaching and leadership had influenced generations.
Roy Williams, Smith’s former assistant and another legendary Tar Heels coach, commented, “I can’t wait to see this film. Coach Smith changed my life, just like he changed the lives of so many others. He was the best teacher I ever had.”
A Cultural Milestone
For many, this documentary will not just be a sports film but a cultural event. It will chronicle how one man used the power of basketball to foster change, build community, and mold leaders. It’s expected to resonate far beyond the die-hard fans of UNC or college basketball.
Netflix has confirmed that the film will be available in over 190 countries, with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages, ensuring that Coach Smith’s story reaches a truly global audience.
As August 15 approaches, fans old and new are preparing to celebrate and reflect on the life of a man who was, indeed, much more than a coach. Dean Smith’s legacy lives on in every player he mentored, every life he touched, and now—through this emotional and powerful documentary—his story will be preserved for generations to come.