TurnkeyZRG Assists UNC Recruit New Men’s Head Basketball Coach
April 9, 2026 – TurnkeyZRG has assisted in the recruitment of 24-year NBA coaching veteran Michael Malone as the new men’s head basketball coach for the University of North Carolina (UNC). “Michael was the first coach we engaged with as part of the search process because of his reputation as a selfless teacher and innovator who brings an incredible ability to connect with players and get the absolute best out of those he mentors,” said executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark, who will become Carolina’s director of athletics on July 1. “He is a brilliant coach who will deliver a modern and disciplined approach to leading our men’s basketball program, which is critical in the current landscape of college athletics. Carolina basketball is unique and special — and we have hired a leader well-suited to continuing our championship tradition.”
Mr. Malone was recommended by a search committee led by Newmark and director of athletics Bubba Cunningham. The committee also included board of trustees chair Malcolm Turner, Tar Heel legend Antawn Jamison and Rams Club executive board of directors vice chair Vaughn Moore. Chad Chatlos from Turnkey ZRG Partners also assisted with the search. The board of trustees approved the terms of the deal Tuesday.
“This is a defining moment for Carolina basketball and for our University, and it calls on all of us to embrace our shared responsibility to steward its future,” said chancellor Lee Roberts. “Michael Malone brings a rare combination of experience across every level of the game, from roots in college basketball to an NBA championship that reflects both the evolution of the sport and the enduring values of this program. He has learned from some of the most respected coaching minds in the game and understands what it takes to develop players, lead teams and sustain excellence over time.”
Mr. Malone was an NBA head coach for 12 seasons, including 10 (2015-25) with the Denver Nuggets, whom he led to the 2023 NBA world championship and three 50-win seasons. He is the winningest coach in Nuggets history with 471 wins. Mr. Malone spent 24 years in the NBA. In addition to a dozen seasons as a head coach, he spent another 12 years as an assistant with the New York Knicks (2001-05), Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10), New Orleans Hornets (2010-11) and Golden State Warriors (2011-13).
“On behalf of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill board of trustees, it is my distinct honor to welcome Michael Malone as the next head coach of Carolina basketball,” said Mr. Turner. “Few programs in college athletics carry the legacy, expectations and enduring spirit of Carolina. That tradition — built on excellence, selflessness, discipline and integrity — demands leadership of the highest caliber. Coach Malone embodies those qualities.”
“Michael has proven he knows how to build strong, successful teams that can consistently compete in the postseason and win championships — and he knows how to make everyone on the floor better,” Mr. Cunningham said. “He understands how to build rosters and coach NBA players — which is exactly what our Tar Heels want to be. We are excited to welcome Michael and his family to Chapel Hill.”
Related: TurnkeyZRG Assists Southern Methodist University with Director of Athletics Search
“Carolina is one of the most historic programs in college basketball, and I am honored to be the head coach of the Tar Heels,” Mr. Malone said. “It is humbling to follow so many legends in Chapel Hill. I know from the many Tar Heels in the NBA how special the Carolina basketball family is, and I will do everything I can to continue UNC’s championship legacy while preparing our players for professional careers and life after basketball.”
Finding Sports Leaders
Founded in 1996, TurnkeyZRG is a specialized talent recruitment/executive search firm filling C-level, senior-level and mid-management-level positions throughout sports, media and entertainment. Over the past 25 years, the firm has filled more than 1,400 positions. TurnkeyZRG helps teams, leagues, stadiums, arenas, theaters, college athletic departments, events, sponsors, agencies, media companies, private equity companies and other clients identify, recruit, and hire the best management talent.
Len Perna is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Turnkey. He has 30-plus years’ experience in the sports and entertainment industry, with senior-level management experience in sales, event marketing and management, sponsorships, venue feasibility and development, facility operations, licensing, and legal affairs. Since founding Turnkey, Mr. Perna has managed over 1,400 executive searches.
Mr. Chatlos, managing director, college & coaching practice, specializes in senior executive searches across the sports industry with a focus on diverse roles in the ever–changing landscape of Intercollegiate Athletics. He has completed multiple Power Five commissioner searches for the ACC, Pac-12, Big 10 and Big 12. Mr. Chatlos has also placed multiple Power 5 head football coaches and played a pivotal role in the NCAA president search. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, Mr. Chatlos started and ran the sports & entertainment practice at Ventura Partners. With more than 15 years of experience in sports marketing and event management, he has property, agency, and corporate experience in the business of sports. Throughout his career, Mr. Chatlos has completed searches for the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, multiple National Governing Bodies, and several brands as well.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
