North Carolina hits pause on arena talk amid coach search

CHAPEL HILL, NC — North Carolina is placing talks in regards to the future residence for its males’s basketball program on maintain.

The college stated in an announcement Sunday that it’s suspending these discussions as officers focus on hiring a brand new coach after the firing of Hubert Davis. WRAL of Raleigh first reported information of the pause.

“Arena discussions will resume after the new coach has had time to acclimate to the program and focus on future needs,” the varsity stated.

The college is mulling whether or not to renovate the Smith Center, this system’s residence since January 1986. It can also be contemplating constructing a brand new arena, probably off the principle campus.

The discussions have led to some emotional debate amongst followers and even members of this system, with retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams popping out in help of renovating the Smith Center as an alternative of transferring off the principle campus.

School officers have estimated a renovation might value almost $600 million, whereas choices for a brand new arena have ranged between roughly $700 million to $800 million.

The determination to fireplace Davis got here from a suggestion by present athletic director Bubba Cunningham and government affiliate athletic director Steve Newmark, who will take over the AD position on July 1. That suggestion was accepted by chancellor Lee Roberts final Tuesday.

Davis’ exit looms giant over a historic program that has lengthy leaned into alumni and the so-called Carolina Way and opens some of the coveted positions in all of basketball.

Information from The Associated Press was used on this report.