BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Announces Release Date for Special Documentary Honoring Legendary North Carolina Tar Heels Coach Dean Smith……
Chapel Hill, NC — Basketball fans across the world have reason to celebrate today as Netflix has officially announced the release date for a highly anticipated documentary honoring legendary University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball coach Dean Smith. Titled “Dean Smith: A Coach, A Legacy, A Movement,” this special documentary is set to premiere globally on August 15, 2025.
The documentary, which will run for nearly two hours, promises an in-depth and emotional tribute to one of college basketball’s most celebrated figures. Combining rare footage, personal interviews, and heartfelt stories, Netflix aims to illuminate the life and unparalleled career of the man who changed the face of college basketball forever.
For millions of fans, Dean Smith wasn’t just a coach — he was a pioneer and a humanitarian who used his platform for social change. Smith led the Tar Heels for an incredible 36 years (1961–1997), amassing 879 wins, 13 ACC tournament titles, and two national championships (1982 and 1993). Beyond his incredible record on the hardwood, Smith was revered for his integrity and leadership. He was instrumental in the racial integration of basketball in the South and served as a tireless advocate for civil rights and equality — values that resonate in every chapter of his story.
The Netflix documentary features exclusive interviews with former players — including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Rasheed Wallace — who offer personal, behind-the-scenes accounts of the coach who shaped their game and their character. Prominent sports journalists and commentators also share their perspectives on what Dean Smith meant to basketball and American society.
Jordan, who famously won a national championship under Smith in 1982, shared in a brief statement to Netflix: “Coach Smith was like a father figure to me and so many others. It’s fitting that this story is being told for future generations.”
The filmmakers also gained unprecedented access to the Smith family, unlocking personal stories and memories that fans have never heard before. The documentary captures Smith’s deep humanity — his humility, devotion to teaching, and the discipline that went into creating one of the most respected programs in all of sports.
In addition to the moving interviews and archival footage, Netflix will also highlight Smith’s commitment to civil rights, including his brave role in recruiting the first African-American scholarship athlete at North Carolina and his lifelong fight for racial equality. Many will recall his protest against segregation long before it was mainstream and his quiet acts of advocacy that rarely made headlines — all of which had a profound impact on players, students, and the Chapel Hill community.
And it wasn’t just what he did on the basketball court — the documentary delves into Smith’s philosophy that “the scoreboard doesn’t define you,” exploring the strong moral foundation that earned him respect not only as a coach but as a human being.
Netflix also revealed that the project will feature archival footage never before seen by the public, and interviews with fellow coaching giants like Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski, who describe Smith as an innovator and a mentor who forever changed the game. Fans will also get a look at some of Smith’s famous huddles and practices, where his “Four Corners” offense and emphasis on teamwork left an indelible mark on the sport.
As anticipation builds, fans and alumni are already eagerly discussing the documentary across social media. The University of North Carolina plans to hold a special on-campus premiere event, and tickets for that event will be announced in the coming weeks.
The documentary, “Dean Smith: A Coach, A Legacy, A Movement,” will begin streaming worldwide on Netflix on August 15, 2025. Fans of basketball and those who admire transformative leadership will not want to miss this stirring tribute to one of the most remarkable figures in sports history.
Stay tuned for further updates — and mark your calendars for what promises to be an emotional and inspiring journey through the life and career of Dean Smith,a true Tar Heel legend.