On This Date 25 Years Ago: Dean Smith Retires

Posted Oct 9, 2022
On October 9, 1997, legendary North Carolina men's basketball coach Dean Smith shocked the college basketball world, announcing his retirement after 36 seasons. Long-time assistant Bill Guthridge 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, Basketball Recruiting

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Basketball’s Returners
College basketball analyst Rob Harrington joins Tommy Ashley of Inside Carolina to discuss the returners for UNC Basketball -- Isaiah Denis, Jaydon Young, and Jarin...
Wed May 13, 2026

Jerry Stackhouse 'disappointed' UNC didn't interview him for coaching job
Jerry Stackhouse said he expressed interest in the UNC coaching job that ultimately went to Michael Malone but never received an interview from his alma...
Tue May 12, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball Back in the High School Recruiting Game for Kevin Thomas
The assumption had been that UNC would finish filling out its 2026-27 basketball roster either through the transfer portal or international ranks, but the...
Tue May 12, 2026

Former UNC Forward Deon Thompson Expected to Join Michael Malone's Basketball Coaching Staff
Deon Thompson is coming home. A source close to the program confirmed the 2009 national champion is expected to join Michael Malone’s staff as a...
Tue May 12, 2026