North Carolina Fans Hoping to Steal Brad Stevens From Celtics

As of Saturday evening, North Carolina has not made a decision about the future of head coach Hubert Davis.

Per multiple reports, the Tar Heels are discussing the possibility of moving on from Davis after the team blew a 19-point lead to No. 11 VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Davis led UNC to a national championship appearance in 2022, but has not made it past the Sweet 16 since and has lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons.

UNC named Davis, a long-time assistant and former player, as head coach when legendary head coach Roy Williams stepped down. It would make sense for the Tar Heels to bring in a proven winner if they decide to move on from Davis.

Many Tar Heels fans are debating the idea of hiring away Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to replace Davis. 

Stevens went 166-49 during his five seasons with Butler, leading the Bulldogs to two national championship appearances. He went 636-354 as the head coach of the Celtics before becoming an executive.

Boston won the NBA championship in 2024. 

Last year, Stevens was rumored as a possible candidate for Indiana. Stevens told Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 that he loves what he does in Boston.

“I thoroughly appreciate being a Celtic and love the people I get to work with every day,” Stevens said.

Still, some wishful thinking fans debated the possibility of Stevens returning to coach college basketball for UNC.

"My case for Brad Stevens to UNC, " wrote a fan. "1. He has coaching in his veins 2. He has been a successful Coach and GM in the NBA 3.

"He can speak to recruits about the NBA landscape 4. Character 5. He is a family man and CH is a place to raise a family 6. Understand NIL/Cap/Talent 7. He wins."

"Make the call sure, but Brad Stevens is in a position of power w the Celtics, he has the trust of the ownership, full authority to build his teams," posted another.

"You think he’s giving that up to coach again? Have to answer than AD, a president and all the boosters etc. He’s not leaving Boston."

"Been saying this for the Cuse!! Once a coach, always a coach and he’s accomplished everything in the nba already, missing that one chip tho, can’t hurt to ask!" argued a fan.

"I get the 'don’t be afraid to ask,' but it’s kinda a silly proposition," posted another. "He’s one of the 2 best GMs in the NBA, is looking at another trip to the Finals, and set up well for the future.

"Why on earth would he leave that to deal with the current hellscape of the NCAA?"

It's unlikely that UNC will be able to even get an interview with Stevens.

However, North Carolina should absolutely put out feelers to see if Stevens wants to coach again and win a championship from the bench.