North Carolina, Hubert Davis discussing future after another early exit

Something is brewing at North Carolina. According to ESPN, school officials are in discussions with coach Hubert Davis about his future, with a decision expected in the coming days.

There is no clarity yet, even after Davis met with the team Saturday. But the tone has shifted.

UNC’s first-round loss to VCU hit hard. The Tar Heels led by 19 in the second half, then watched it disappear in an 82-78 overtime defeat. For a program like this, that tends to linger.

Especially when it happens twice. This marks back-to-back first-round exits, and the fan base has made its frustration known. Donors, too. That matters in Chapel Hill.

Davis is still highly respected inside the program. Former player. Longtime assistant. The expectation is that any potential departure would be handled carefully, not labeled as a firing.

Still, the results are what they are.

North Carolina finished 24-9, dealing with injuries late, but went just 5-5 down the stretch. The inconsistency has been part of the story. So has the résumé.

Davis took UNC to the national title game in 2022. He also had the preseason No. 1 team miss the tournament the following year. There have been highs. There have been swings.

Now comes the next decision. And it feels like it is coming soon.