Title: Breaking: Former UNC Head Coach Roy Williams Set to Begin New Era at UNC as Athletic Advisor and Leadership Mentor
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Carolina blue blood runs even deeper now.
In a surprise announcement that sent waves through the Tar Heel community and across the college sports landscape, the University of North Carolina revealed that Roy Williams, the Hall of Fame basketball coach who led the Tar Heels to three national championships, is set to return to the university in a powerful new role: Senior Athletic Advisor and Leadership Mentor.
More than just a figurehead, Williams will take on an active leadership position working across all UNC athletic programs, guiding coaches, mentoring student-athletes, and helping shape the next generation of leaders—not just in basketball, but in sports as a whole.
“I may be done coaching games, but I’m not done helping kids,” Williams said during Friday’s press conference at the Dean E. Smith Center. “Chapel Hill is my home. Carolina is in my blood. I want to give back to the university that’s given me everything, in a new way—off the sidelines, but still in the huddle.”
Williams, 74, retired in 2021 after 18 seasons as UNC’s head coach, compiling a legendary 485–163 record in Chapel Hill. Under his leadership, UNC claimed national titles in 2005, 2009, and 2017, along with five Final Four appearances and nine ACC regular-season titles.
Since his retirement, Williams has remained close to the program, often seen courtside and in team huddles, serving as a quiet presence and occasional mentor to current head coach Hubert Davis. But this new role formalizes his continued influence and expands it beyond basketball.
UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham praised the move as “transformational.”
“Roy Williams is one of the greatest leaders in the history of college athletics,” Cunningham said. “His wisdom, integrity, and competitive fire will now benefit all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. He’s not coming back to relive the past—he’s here to shape the future.”
In his new capacity, Williams will assist with leadership development initiatives, recruiting outreach, alumni engagement, and advising coaches through the ever-evolving landscape of college sports—especially in the age of NIL, transfer portals, and heightened mental health awareness.
Sources inside the program say Williams has already met with several non-basketball coaches to begin planning mentorship sessions, including women’s soccer, track, and football staff. His message to them: “Excellence doesn’t wear one uniform.”
For fans, alumni, and former players, the return of Roy Williams in an official capacity is more than symbolic—it’s galvanizing.
“He’s one of the greatest humans I’ve ever met,” said Marcus Paige, former Tar Heel point guard. “Knowing that Coach Williams will be around, guiding not just basketball players but all Tar Heels? That’s a win for everyone.”
Williams ended the press conference with a familiar smile, a wave to the crowd, and a statement that summed up the moment perfectly:
“I’m not chasing wins anymore. I’m chasing impact.”
And once again, Roy Williams is poised to deliver—this time, for all of Carolina.