The University of North Carolina’s basketball program has long stood as a symbol of excellence, passion, and tradition — and much of that identity was shaped by one man: Roy Williams. During his 18 years at the helm in Chapel Hill, Williams built a dynasty defined by humility, teamwork, and relentless success. Since his retirement in 2021, the question lingers across college basketball circles — who, if anyone, can truly compete with his legacy?
Roy Williams left behind a record that few can touch. Over his tenure at UNC, he won three NCAA Championships — in 2005, 2009, and 2017 — while leading the Tar Heels to nine ACC regular-season titles and multiple Final Four appearances. His ability to consistently mold young talent into championship-caliber players earned him a place among the greatest college coaches of all time.
When Hubert Davis took over in 2021, many wondered if the former Tar Heel sharpshooter and longtime assistant could fill the massive shoes left behind. Davis quickly made a statement in his first full season, guiding North Carolina to the 2022 NCAA Championship Game as an eighth seed, a remarkable achievement for a rookie coach. That run reignited hope that the UNC standard could continue under his leadership.
However, sustaining greatness at a program as storied as UNC requires more than one magical season. Davis has faced challenges maintaining consistency in the years since, struggling with roster changes and the evolving landscape of college basketball. Still, his calm leadership and connection to the Carolina family have kept fans optimistic that he could eventually become a long-term successor worthy of comparison to Roy Williams.
Outside Chapel Hill, several coaches in today’s game have built resumes strong enough to draw comparisons. At Kansas — the very school Williams left to join UNC — Bill Self has become a mirror image of sustained excellence. With two national titles (2017 and 2022) and an unparalleled ability to recruit elite players, Self stands as one of the few active coaches whose accomplishments rival Williams’ own.
Another coach often mentioned in the same conversation is Tony Bennett of Virginia. While his system is vastly different — slow-paced, defensive, and methodical — his 2019 national championship and consistent dominance in the ACC have earned him deep respect. Bennett’s disciplined approach could theoretically bring similar long-term success at a school like UNC, even if his style contrasts with the fast-paced Carolina offense fans love.
Before his retirement, Jay Wright of Villanova was another name synonymous with modern greatness. Wright led the Wildcats to two national titles in 2016 and 2018, building a program rooted in unselfish play and composure. Many analysts have suggested that if Wright ever returned to coaching, his philosophy and calm leadership could make him an ideal candidate to maintain a legacy like Williams’.
More recently, Dan Hurley of UConn has emerged as the hottest coach in college basketball. After winning back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, Hurley’s intensity, tactical mind, and passion for player development have drawn comparisons to the fiery coaching style that once defined Williams’ best Tar Heel teams. If he continues his current trajectory, Hurley could become one of the few modern coaches capable of reaching Roy Williams’ level of sustained dominance.
What sets Williams apart, though, isn’t just his win total — it’s the culture he built. His focus on family, humility, and player development created an atmosphere that transcended basketball. From mentoring future NBA stars to fostering lifelong loyalty among former players, Williams built more than a program; he built a legacy rooted in integrity and love for the game.
For UNC fans, the hope now lies in preserving that culture while adapting to a new era of college basketball — one defined by transfer portals, NIL deals, and shifting recruiting dynamics. Whether Hubert Davis or another rising star can eventually match Roy Williams’ impact remains uncertain, but the standard has been set in Chapel Hill, and it is among the highest in all of sports.
One thing is clear: Roy Williams’ influence will forever echo in the halls of the Dean Smith Center. His legacy is not just measured by trophies, but by the countless players, coaches, and fans he inspired. Whoever follows in his footsteps — at UNC or beyond — will always be compared to one of the greatest to ever do it.
