North Carolina parts ways with men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis after 5 seasons

Hubert Davis appeared to be the right coach to be North Carolina’s bridge from Dean Smith to Roy Williams and into the future. Instead, that run lasted just five years.

North Carolina has parted ways with Davis, announcing Tuesday night that it had made “a leadership change” to end Davis’ tenure as successor to retired Hall of Fame coach Williams. Davis’ time featured multiple high points, but also wild swings of results, an inconsistency that runs contrary to the Tar Heels’ status as a tradition-rich blueblood with a hallmark of sustained top-tier success.

In its announcement, the school said athletic director Bubba Cunningham and executive associate AD Steve Newmark — who will take over as Cunningham’s successor in July — made the recommendation ultimately accepted by chancellor Lee Roberts.

“We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader — he has helped make special memories we will never forget,” Cunningham said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision because of Hubert’s tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.”

In his own statement