The historic program where Michael Jordan played ball in those iconic powder blue jerseys, The University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball program has some major news.
According to University of North Carolina Men’s Basketball: “Roy Williams, who led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA championships, is retiring after 33 seasons and 903 wins as a college basketball head coach.”
After 33 years as a Hall of Fame head coach, our beloved Tar Heel Roy Williams is announcing his retirement.
Thank you for all you have done and meant to everyone who plays and loves our game.
According to ESPN: “After coaching for five years at Charles D. Owen High School in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Williams began his college career at North Carolina as an assistant under late mentor Dean Smith — he still respectfully refers to him as ‘Coach Smith’ after all these years…Williams’ time as an assistant included the Tar Heels’ run to the 1982 NCAA championship for Smith’s first title, a game that memorably featured a freshman named Michael Jordan making the go-ahead jumper late to beat Georgetown”.
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) April 1, 2021
Williams coached the University of Kansas from 1988 to 2003, with Williams racking up win after win with the Jayhawks. When he came to UNC to take the helm in 2003, it was much of the same.
Those three North Carolina NCAA championships were in 2005 (just two years after he started at UNC), 2009, and 2017 according to UNC Men’s Basketball.
The UNC Men’s Basketball program listed the following facts about Williams to show all the incredible success he’s experienced as a coach throughout the course of his career:
• 48 seasons as a basketball coach, including 33 seasons as a college head coach (18 at UNC, 15 at Kansas), 10 as assistant coach at UNC and five as head coach at Owen High School in Black Mountain, N.C. • 2007 inductee to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame • Third all-time in wins by a Division I head coach with 903 • Reached 900 wins in fewer games (1,161) and seasons (33) than any coach in NCAA history • 903 wins in 33 seasons is 100 more than any other coach in NCAA history (803 by Mike Krzyzewski, 802 by Dean Smith) • Second-winningest coach in UNC history and third in Kansas history • Only coach in history with 400 wins at two schools • Sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) in NCAA history
Yeah, this guy can coach!
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Let’s hear from the man of the hour:
It is evident how difficult of a decision this was for Williams and the legacy he left at North Carolina, beyond just the success on the court but off the court, coaching not just basketball players but young men.
Our favorite Roy Williams video.
Marcus Paige: "You made me a better man and that's the most important thing." pic.twitter.com/JVoEz4AmFz
Not enough words to describe what the man in the suit means to me. I needed a father figure after mine passed. Half the size, all of the heart and discipline. I know I’m just one of many that you made a better person for having played for you. Thank you, Roy. #RoyWilliamspic.twitter.com/b1Khojd2D8
"It was an absolute honor to coach against Roy. He is one of the legends of the game and he truly cared about the young men he coached. He always had a kind word for everyone. I wish him nothing but the best, and also really low golf scores." – TB on Roy Williams @UNC_Basketballpic.twitter.com/Al1nFpULI0
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) April 1, 2021
College Basketball took a hit today. When I was hired, the 1st person to reach out & offer support was Roy Williams. Over the years, we became great friends. Thank you 4 ur support, friendship, and making our game better. You will be missed. See u on the golf course my man pic.twitter.com/E5kyZMUvh6
Congratulations to Coach Roy Williams on a Hall of Fame career! So happy for him and his wife, Wanda. I am so thankful for his friendship. He will go down as one of the greatest coaches of all-time! pic.twitter.com/ElWufXZTdt
Roy Williams is a gentleman and obviously an all-time great. We will miss him on the floor. I’ll mostly miss the “now, you can’t tell this story on TV” stories, that almost always left all of us howling in laughter. All the best Roy. Congratulations on a brilliant career!
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) April 1, 2021
Roy Williams, one of the greatest coaches of all time. I’m so thankful for the relationship we were able to develop in the seven years I was at UNC. I’m proud to call you a friend. I hope you have a wonderful retirement with your family. Hit em straight!! pic.twitter.com/3Vf1WXBWtx
Salute to UNC Head Coach Roy Williams on a legendary 48-year career. All respect. Thank you for all you have done for the game, our league and the greatest rivalry in sports. 🤝
Congrats to Roy Williams on an illustrious coaching career . One of the best – an even better person !! The college game will miss him . pic.twitter.com/hZniaLOOff
“It has been a thrill,” Williams said at the press conference according to ESPN. “It has been unbelievable. I’ve loved it. It’s coaching. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since the summer after my ninth-grade year of high school. No one has ever enjoyed coaching like I have for 48 years.”
Charlie Lapastora is a sports/news multimedia journalist who’s reported, written, produced, anchored, shot video/edited on different NBC, ABC, and FOX shows in multiple TV markets, along with digital & new media companies. Charlie has traveled the country telling national sports, news, feature, and original stories on a cable news network, airing on top 10 TV markets, satellite radio, and digital platforms. He is passionate about his faith, family—being a husband to whom he calls the G.O.A.T. of women—about reppin’ his home state of Michigan and Detroit teams (yes, including the Lions), good coffee, and loves how sports brings people together. He’s traveled the world leading and coaching sports camps and has also worked at the Detroit Pistons and LA Clippers’ NBA teams.
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