BREAKING NEWS!!! Emotional!!! Netflix Announces Release Date for Powerful Dean Smith Documentary Honoring Tar Heel Legend
In a heartfelt announcement that’s sure to send waves of emotion throughout the college basketball world, Netflix has revealed the release date for a long-anticipated documentary honoring the late, great North Carolina Tar Heels Head Coach Dean Smith. The film, titled “Dean Smith: More Than a Coach,” is set to premiere globally on September 12, 2025, and promises to be an emotional tribute to one of the most iconic figures in American sports history.
Produced in collaboration with Smith’s family, former players, and the University of North Carolina, the documentary will offer an intimate look into the life, legacy, and values of a coach who was not only a basketball mastermind but also a civil rights pioneer, a mentor, and a beloved father figure to generations of athletes.
Known for his calm demeanor, unwavering integrity, and groundbreaking leadership, Dean Smith coached at North Carolina from 1961 to 1997, amassing 879 wins, 11 Final Fours, and 2 national championships. But for those who knew him, it wasn’t just about the wins. It was about the way he won — with class, compassion, and conviction.
A Story That Transcends Basketball
The film will dive deep into Smith’s life, chronicling his journey from a Kansas upbringing to becoming the face of one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Through rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and emotional interviews with former players such as Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Roy Williams, the documentary captures the essence of a man who valued character over trophies.
One of the most moving parts of the film, sources say, is a segment dedicated to Smith’s courageous stand against racial segregation in the 1960s. At a time when it was anything but popular, Smith actively recruited Black players to UNC and even helped integrate a local restaurant — long before doing so became mainstream in the South.
“He was never afraid to do the right thing,” said Jordan in a preview clip. “Coach Smith didn’t just coach basketball — he coached life.”
A Legacy that Lives On
Dean Smith passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, but his influence has only grown since. His famous “Carolina Way” — emphasizing teamwork, humility, and respect — remains a guiding principle for the Tar Heels program and an enduring legacy in the world of college athletics.
In the final moments of the documentary, viewers are taken through the emotional farewell ceremony held in Chapel Hill, where thousands gathered to honor the man who built more than a basketball dynasty — he built a family.
Netflix’s VP of Sports Documentaries, Rachel Tanzer, called the film “one of the most emotional and inspiring stories we’ve ever told.”
“This is not just for Tar Heels fans,” she said. “This is for anyone who believes that sports can be a force for good in the world.”
Mark your calendars. “Dean Smith: More Than a Coach” debuts September 12, 2025, only on Netflix. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and reminded why Dean Smith’s name will echo forever in the halls of greatness.
