Breaking: Former UNC Basketball Head Coach Roy Williams Set to Begin New Era at UNC
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a move that has stunned and excited the world of college athletics, legendary former University of North Carolina men’s basketball head coach Roy Williams is returning to Chapel Hill—not to reclaim his old post on the sidelines, but to begin a new era in a senior leadership role within the athletic department. Sources close to the university confirm that Williams will take on a newly created position aimed at shaping the future of UNC athletics from an executive and strategic perspective.
A Carolina Icon Returns with New Purpose
Williams, 74, retired from coaching in April 2021 after a Hall of Fame career that included three national championships (2005, 2009, 2017), nine Final Four appearances, and over 900 career wins. Known for his fiery competitiveness, unmatched preparation, and deep loyalty to the Tar Heels, Williams has remained a beloved figure in North Carolina and throughout the college basketball landscape.
His return to UNC marks a significant development—not just for fans, but for the broader future of the university’s athletic direction. Williams will assume the title of Special Advisor to the Athletic Director for Program Excellence and Culture, a role that blends leadership mentoring, culture development, and strategic planning across all sports programs.
In a statement released by the university Monday morning, Williams expressed both humility and excitement:
> “I’m incredibly honored to be returning to the place that has meant so much to me and my family. UNC has always been more than a job—it’s home. I may be done with the whistle and the sidelines, but I’ve never been done with Carolina. I look forward to helping our athletic programs not only continue to succeed but to grow stronger in the years to come.”
A Role Beyond Basketball
Unlike his previous tenure at UNC, which was laser-focused on basketball, Williams’ new position will span all of Tar Heel athletics. According to Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham, the role was designed specifically with Williams in mind: a mentor, ambassador, and steward of the Carolina athletic tradition.
“Roy’s return is about more than nostalgia,” Cunningham said. “It’s about tapping into one of the greatest minds in sports to help guide this department through a transformative time in college athletics. Whether it’s NIL, student-athlete welfare, or maintaining a standard of competitive excellence, Roy’s leadership will be invaluable.”
Williams will reportedly be involved in advising coaches on program-building, assisting with high-level donor engagement, mentoring student-athletes, and shaping the department’s long-term culture and values. He will also work closely with university leadership on new facilities, alumni engagement, and strategic planning efforts.
A Steadying Force Amid a Changing Landscape
College athletics is undergoing rapid and unprecedented change. With the emergence of the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights, and potential conference realignment, many programs are scrambling to adapt. UNC, while historically stable and proud, recognizes the need for experienced leadership to navigate these evolving dynamics.
Williams’ appointment reflects a broader trend among Power Five schools to lean on iconic former coaches or athletes to serve as institutional bridges during uncertain times. However, few bring the gravitas and homegrown understanding that Williams does. Having played under the legendary Dean Smith, served as an assistant during UNC’s golden years, and returned to lead the Tar Heels to new heights, Williams is perhaps the most respected and universally beloved figure in UNC athletic history.
Current men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis, whom Williams handpicked as his successor, shared his enthusiasm for the announcement:
> “Coach Williams is Carolina. His presence, his values, and his heart for our university continue to inspire us every day. I’m thrilled that he’ll be working closely with all of us—not just in basketball, but across the board. This is a huge win for UNC.”
A Living Legacy in Action
Since his retirement, Williams has largely remained out of the spotlight, making only occasional appearances at UNC games and events. But behind the scenes, he has stayed closely involved with the university community, maintaining relationships with coaches, players, and administrators. His passion for mentoring and his meticulous approach to leadership have not waned.
For many fans and alumni, his return is more than symbolic—it signals a recommitment to the principles that have made UNC athletics a national standard: integrity, excellence, and family.
Williams’ wife, Wanda, and their family are reportedly supportive of the move. “We’ve always believed in giving back,” she said in a statement. “Roy loves the University of North Carolina, and this is a chance for him to make a meaningful impact in a way that fits this stage of his life.”
Looking Ahead
Though he won’t be drawing up plays or pacing the sidelines anymore, Roy Williams’ influence on UNC is far from over. His presence at Carolina will serve as a source of reassurance and inspiration during what promises to be a defining period for college sports.
In many ways, his new role completes a full-circle journey: from a student and assistant under Dean Smith, to head coach and champion, to elder statesman and advisor. Williams now steps into a role that may shape UNC athletics for generations to come.
University Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz summed it up best:
> “Roy Williams helped build Carolina into what it is today. Now, he’ll help us build what comes next.”