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

Harrison Barnes shares thoughts heading into third NBA Finals
The NBA Finals get underway Wednesday night, and basketball fans in the state of Iowa will see a familiar face on the court. Former Ames...
Wed Jun 3, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Basketball's Preseason Ranking; Baseball Super Regional
Even after the addition of Alexandros Samodurov and confirmation of Matt Able, national pundits are still not ranking UNC Basketball and it doesn't make sense...
Wed Jun 3, 2026

Carolina's Culture Effect
As UNC Baseball continues its run to Omaha, Carolina Football under Bill Belichick is less than three months away from the year two opener, while...
Wed Jun 3, 2026

Video: Locked On Tar Heels - What History Portends For Michael Malone; Baseball Super Regional
Looking at the modern history of UNC Men's Basketball coaches in their first season coaching the Tar Heels, there's a possibility this could be a...
Tue Jun 2, 2026