Power Play in Chapel Hill: UNC Extends Coach Hubert Davis, Hires First-Ever GM to Navigate New Era of College Hoop
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. In a bold move to adapt to the rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, the University of North Carolina has extended men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis through the 2029–30 season — and, in a historic first, hired veteran sports agent **Jim Tanner** as the program’s Executive Director and General Manager.
The announcement, made Thursday, marks a significant shift in how the Tar Heels plan to manage the increasing complexity of modern college athletics — including NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and long-term roster strategy.
“We’re not just building for March — we’re building a program that can thrive in 2025 and beyond,” Davis said during the press conference. “Jim brings experience, relationships, and a business mindset that will change the game for us.”
Tanner, a UNC law graduate and former agent to NBA stars like Tim Duncan and Ray Allen, will focus on player development, off-court strategy, and NIL optimization — making UNC one of the first major programs to install a GM-style role.
Reactions are mixed among fans, but one thing is clear: Carolina isn’t playing catch-up. They’re setting the pace.
