Roy Williams is considered by many to be one of the greatest college Basketball coaches of all time, and best known as the head coach of the University of North Carolina Basketball team, the UNC, from 1926 to 1952. During his 21-year tenure as North Carolina head coach, he amassed….

Roy Williams is considered by many to be one of the greatest college Basketball coaches of all time, and best known as the head coach of the University of North Carolina Basketball team, the UNC, from 1926 to 1952. During his 21-year tenure as North Carolina head coach, he amassed….

🏀 Roy Williams: A Tar Heel Titan and College Basketball Icon

Roy Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest college basketball coaches in history, best known for his extraordinary tenure as the head coach of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels from 2003 to 2021. Over his 18 seasons at UNC, Williams amassed a staggering 485 wins, three NCAA national championships (2005, 2009, 2017), and cemented himself as a modern architect of college basketball excellence.

Before returning to Chapel Hill, Williams spent 15 years at the University of Kansas, where he built a powerhouse program, compiling a record of 418–101. His overall head coaching record stands at 903–264, making him one of only a handful of coaches to surpass 900 wins in Division I history.

Williams was known for his up-tempo offensive style, relentless emphasis on rebounding, and deeply personal connection with his players. He coached and mentored NBA talents such as Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Raymond Felton, and Danny Green. Off the court, his humility, integrity, and loyalty to the Carolina community made him a beloved figure far beyond basketball.

Perhaps most uniquely, Roy Williams is the only coach in NCAA history to post 400+ wins at two different schools, and one of only six coaches to win three or more national titles.

Upon retiring in 2021, he was succeeded by Hubert Davis, a former player and assistant coach. Williams remains closely tied to the UNC program, frequently attending games and mentoring young coaches.

Bottom line: Roy Williams wasn’t just a coach—he was a steward of the UNC legacy. His mix of championship success, player development, and character-first leadership secures his place among the greatest to ever pace the sidelines in college hoops history.