Netflix Announces Release Date for Highly Anticipated Dean Smith Documentary: A Tribute to a Legend….
Netflix has officially announced the release date for its much-anticipated documentary chronicling the life and legacy of one of college basketball’s most revered figures, Dean Smith. Titled “More Than a Coach: The Dean Smith Legacy”, the emotional and inspiring film is set to premiere globally on August 1, 2025. The announcement has sparked a wave of nostalgia, reverence, and excitement among basketball fans, University of North Carolina (UNC) alumni, and admirers of Smith’s immeasurable impact both on and off the court.
Dean Smith, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, coached the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997. Over his 36-year career, he became much more than a successful coach; he became a transformative figure in sports, education, and civil rights. The Netflix documentary is expected to capture the essence of Smith’s extraordinary contributions to basketball and society, showcasing never-before-seen footage, interviews with former players and colleagues, and reflections from prominent figures in the sports world.
A Life Dedicated to Excellence and Integrity
Smith’s coaching record is a staggering testament to his prowess: 879 career wins, two NCAA championships (1982 and 1993), 11 Final Four appearances, and an Olympic gold medal coaching the U.S. team in 1976. However, as the documentary’s title suggests, his legacy is defined not only by victories but by the values he instilled in his players and his unwavering commitment to equality and education.
“Coach Smith wasn’t just a basketball coach. He was a teacher, a mentor, a humanitarian, and a moral compass for generations of athletes,” said documentary director Ava Montgomery in a statement released by Netflix. “This film is about honoring the man who used the game of basketball to change lives and challenge injustice.”
The documentary will feature interviews with a star-studded roster of Smith’s former players, including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Antawn Jamison. Also included are tributes from coaching peers like Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams, along with civil rights leaders and historians who will discuss Smith’s quiet but powerful role in the desegregation of the UNC basketball program and the wider community.
Exclusive Access and Rare Footage
Netflix has partnered with the University of North Carolina and the Smith family to access exclusive archives, including Smith’s personal notes, game strategies, handwritten letters to players, and footage from pivotal games and practices. The result, producers say, is a deeply personal portrait of a man who often deflected the spotlight in favor of shining it on others.
“This documentary goes far beyond the hardwood,” said Brian Kessler, Netflix’s head of sports documentaries. “We explore how Coach Smith empowered generations of young men, advocated for racial integration at a time when it was unpopular, and fostered a culture of humility and discipline that became the foundation of UNC basketball.”
A Cultural Moment for Tar Heel Nation
The announcement has sent a wave of emotion through Tar Heel Nation. Fans have taken to social media to express their anticipation and gratitude. Many are already planning community watch parties, especially in Chapel Hill, where Smith’s influence is still deeply felt.
Carla Overton, a UNC alumna and season ticket holder for over 30 years, said, “This is more than just a documentary. It’s a celebration of everything Coach Smith stood for—teamwork, courage, and dignity. I’ll be watching with my family, and we’ll be wearing Carolina blue.”
In a statement, UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz praised the documentary, calling it “a powerful tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond the basketball court. Coach Smith represented the very best of the Carolina spirit.”
Looking Ahead
With “More Than a Coach: The Dean Smith Legacy”, Netflix adds another powerful installment to its growing slate of sports storytelling. As documentaries like The Last Dance and Quarterback have captivated millions, this new release promises to do the same—while offering something even more profound: a heartfelt reminder of what true leadership looks like.
The documentary will be available to stream worldwide on August 1, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. For fans, former players, and admirers across the globe, it will be a poignant moment to relive history and honor a man whose influence continues to ripple far beyond the game he loved.
As Michael Jordan, one of Smith’s most famous protégés, says in the film’s trailer: “He didn’t just teach us how to win. He taught us how to live.”