Menu

On This Date 25 Years Ago: Dean Smith Retires


On October 9, 1997, legendary North Carolina men's basketball coach shocked the college basketball world, announcing his retirement after 36 seasons. Long-time assistant would take over as the program’s head coach. Even 25 years later, UNC Basketball still honors Smith's mantra: "Play Hard. Play Smart. Play Together." (Keeping It Heel)

Related: , Basketball Recruiting

Video: Carolina Insider - UNC Men's Basketball 2026-27 Preview
Jones Angell from the Tar Heel Sports Network and Adam Lucas of GoHeels.com recap preseason action and look ahead to the first home game of...

Matt Able’s NBA Draft Journey Led Him Back to North Carolina
After the NBA combine, where Matt Able received feedback from NBA teams but not the first-round guarantee he was looking for, he granted UNC fans...

Tar Heels in NBA: Six 3s, 23 points for Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson poured in 23 points, making six 3-pointers, with five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks on Friday, but in a 125-111 road loss...

Audio: Jones Angell Previews UNC Football vs. Miami, Men’s Basketball vs. Western Carolina
Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell discusses UNC football and men’s basketball, ahead of two big games: Football hosts No. 1 Miami on Saturday...

On This Date 25 Years Ago: Dean Smith Retires