Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary former Duke basketball coach, downplayed concerns about UNC’s recent hiring of Michael Malone as head coach. During an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ Monday, Krzyzewski compared Malone’s transition from the NBA to college coaching to Bill Belichick’s challenging first season in college football.
“They had an NFL champion hired as the coach, and Duke beat Carolina football this year,” Krzyzewski said with a smirk. “That doesn’t mean coach Belichick isn’t a great coach, but there is time for adjustments. It takes longer coming from the pros to college.”
Belichick, who became North Carolina’s head coach last season, faced difficulties in his first year, finishing 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the ACC. Meanwhile, Duke finished 9-5 and won the ACC title. Krzyzewski pointed out that Duke defeated UNC, 32-25, in Belichick’s first season, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to college sports.
Krzyzewski noted that college basketball has evolved with the rise of name, image, and likeness deals, making recruitment and transfers more complex. He suggested that UNC’s move to hire a coach with a strong professional background reflects a broader trend of athletic programs adopting more pro-like structures.
Malone, who led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA title in 2023 before being fired in April 2025, previously served as an NBA assistant and head coach for the Sacramento Kings. UNC fired Hubert Davis after a first-round NCAA Tournament loss, opting for a coach with NBA experience but no college coaching background. Krzyzewski acknowledged Malone’s coaching ability and the learning curve ahead, suggesting the move signifies a shift toward more professionalized college programs.
Malone hopes to improve in his first season at UNC, while Belichick prepares for another NFL season, aiming to turn around the fortunes of the Tar Heels and the Patriots, respectively.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
