Candid Coaches: Who was the best college basketball coaching hire of 2026?
Who was the best high-major coaching hire of the 2026 cycle? 3.
Michael Malone, UNC: 16%. "It ain't even close. Malone is the best hire by far. The guy won an NBA championship." "Very difficult to argue against Malone given his track record and the similarities between college and pro basketball today. You cannot question his coaching acumen. (
CBS Sports)
Four Questions for UNC Football One Day Before Kickoff
On August 29, across the Atlantic UNC Football will enter Aviva stadium in Dublin, Ireland for a rematch with TCU and officially begin season two of the
Bill Belichick era. And for as much as we’ve learned about this team throughout the offseason, there are still some pretty big questions that need to be answered. Here are the four we're watching closest. (
Heels on Franklin)
Video: Locked On Tar Heels - UNC Football Seeks Redemption In Dublin
UNC and TCU kick off college football season in Dublin, but with new quarterbacks and overhauled coaching staffs, both teams enter as mysteries. Will Jaden Craig give the Horned Frogs a dynamic running threat under center, or can
Billy Edwards Jr. ignite the Tar Heels’ offense under Bobby Petrino’s guidance?
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View Video)
UNC Field Hockey Kicks Off 2026 Season Friday With ACC/Big Ten Challenge
UNC Field Hockey takes to the turf in 2026 for its 53rd season of competition Friday. Fourteen returnees welcome eight newcomers to their ranks as the team chases a 10th straight ACC Tournament title and 12th national championship. Captains Charly Bruder and Grace Pottebaum bring a veteran presence to a lineup that returns six starters from last year. (
GoHeels.com)
Melkart Abou Jaoude’s ‘chip on his shoulder’ mindset propels him from a walk-on to defensive leader
Mornings after Friday night football, current UNC defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude could be found working in a Newton, N.J. bagel shop called The Bagel Bistro. One day, customer and former University of Delaware wide receiver G.J. Crescione walked in. The shop owner Kristian Vozza pulled him aside and told him he needed to talk to Abou Jaoude. (
Daily Tar Heel)
UNC Women’s Soccer Set For International Friendly In Dublin
No. 9 UNC Women's Soccer has made it to the Emerald Isle in preparation for an exhibition match against Shelbourne FC Friday at Tolka Park. The Tar Heels and Reds kick off 2 p.m. ET. Friday's match begins an exciting weekend for Tar Heel sports fans. On Saturday, UNC's football program will play TCU in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. (
GoHeels.com)
Video: The Game Plan Podcast - UNC vs. TCU Dublin Preview and Predictions
Greg Barnes, Jason Staples, and Tommy Ashley at Inside Carolina preview and predict UNC Football's season opener against TCU on Saturday and break down the importance of the game for
Bill Belichick and the entire Tar Heel program in light of the way last season played out.
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View Video)
UNC punter Adam McCann-Gibbs’ homecoming comes as he still learns the sport
Plenty of new experiences are kicking in for most UNC Football players visiting Ireland, but it’s familiar territory for a freshman punter.
Adam McCann-Gibbs is from Glen, Ireland and only played soccer and Gaelic football before arriving at UNC. After his teammates helped him learn more about American football, he’s giving them the lowdown on Ireland. (
Tar Heel Tribune)
Michael Busch trying to find version of himself that could carry Cubs
A season ago,
Michael Busch was the Cubs’ home-run leader. But after smacking 34 bombs in 2025, the first baseman came into Monday with just 16 this year. It’s not that he hasn’t been effective – his .352 on-base percentage was the highest of his young career – but he hasn’t been the same lineup-carrying presence he was at times last season. (
Chicago Sun-Times)
Tar Heels take their music to Ireland
For five bluegrass students and 105 marching band students at Carolina, the start to this year will be anything but ordinary. Along with about 25 music faculty and staff members, they will travel to Dublin, Ireland. Carolina Bluegrass band director Russell Johnson likes watching his students grow through experiences outside of class. (
UNC.edu)
UNC RB Demon June primed for breakout year after first-season success
Demon June was the Tar Heel offense’s north star last season. Amidst a disappointing 4-8 season, the running back racked up an impressive 464 rushing yards and 159 receiving yards. Some players might peak there, and become just another rotational running back. But head coach
Bill Belichick is convinced that this is just the beginning for June. (
Daily Tar Heel)
Bill Belichick 'wisdom' guiding UNC on Dublin trip
While
Adam McCann-Gibbs feels his journey from Gaelic footballer to college athlete has been like something from a film, the County Down teenager still acknowledges it is surreal to have
Bill Belichick play a leading role in his story. McCann-Gibbs is the team's punter who will be making his debut at this level should he feature at the Aviva Stadium. (
BBC)
Video: TarHeel247 On-Site! The Biggest Takeaways From UNC Football's First Day In Dublin
Andrew Jones and Noah Weiskopf of TarHeel247 discuss UNC Football's arrival in Ireland, the team's logistical challenges, rainy weather, the absence of defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, the vibes around Dublin, and more as the Tar Heels prepare to face TCU on Saturday.
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View Video)
Bill Belichick reportedly to call defensive plays for UNC vs. TCU amid Steve Belichick's absence
With defensive coordinator Steve Belichick still on medical leave, North Carolina football coach
Bill Belichick will take over defensive play-calling duties for the Tar Heels against TCU this weekend, according to reports. On August 6,
Bill Belichick announced that Steve was on medical leave but did not provide any more details or a timeline for his return. (
CBS Sports)
Three keys to UNC Football's matchup against TCU
The offensive side of the football arguably should have UNC fans the most optimistic.
Jordan Shipp is the star and should be the best receiver on the field, providing help to starting quarterback
Billy Edwards. Behind Edwards is a deep running back corps where last year’s best returning rusher,
Demon June, may not be the first running back out there. (
Tar Heel Blog)