Roy Williams may have stepped away from the sidelines, but if you thought retirement meant his voice would fade from Tar Heel Nation, think again. This past Tuesday, in UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism, the Hall of Fame coach once again proved why his wisdom, warmth, and honesty will forever resonate in Chapel Hill. Students in MEJO 377: Sports Communications, led by professors Livis Freeman and UNC legend Tyler Hansbrough, were treated to something priceless — not just a lecture, but a living lesson from a man who has spent his entire life giving back.
From Small-Town Dreams to Big-Time Championships
Williams began by reflecting on his roots. Long before he became the face of UNC basketball, he was just a kid sneaking into the gym in his small town, dribbling a ball and falling in love with the game that would define his life. Basketball wasn’t just a sport — it was an escape, a passion, a calling.
His high school coach spotted something special early on, telling him he would be the best point guard he’d ever coach. That same mentor gave Williams his first weekend job as a caddie and, more importantly, instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, and passion. “I am a coach because of him, and I play golf because of him,” Williams said, noting that he still makes the effort to call his coach at least once a week.
Those lessons never left him. They followed him to Chapel Hill, where Williams suited up for UNC’s freshman basketball team. But what UNC gave him went far beyond court time — it gave him perspective. It taught him the value of people, of community, of giving back.
Giving Back and Staying Connected
“Be involved — with people, causes, and your community,” Williams told the students. Simple words, but ones that echo the very philosophy that guided his coaching career. His legacy is not just in wins and banners but in lives touched, players molded, and communities uplifted.
When the conversation shifted toward media, Williams emphasized the importance of trust. For a coach, a relationship with a communications director isn’t just a job necessity — it’s a partnership built on honesty and respect. Passion, he reminded the class, is what separates good work from great work.
He also gave credit to those who told stories with authenticity. He spoke fondly of journalists like Tim Crothers and John Feinstein, men he admired not only for their craft but for their integrity. Crothers, in fact, spent months with Williams while co-writing his autobiography Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court. Though initially hesitant to open up, Williams now admits that Crothers helped him tell his story in a way he never thought possible.
Still a Tar Heel at Heart
Though no longer pacing the sidelines, Williams has never truly left UNC. He’s a staple at nearly every home game, having missed just two in the last four years, and he still reflects deeply on the teams and players that shaped his career. He even admitted that the 1984 UNC squad, led by Michael Jordan, was one of the most talented he ever coached — despite their early exit in the Sweet 16.
As always, Williams found a way to balance humility with humor. He joked about “luck” being the difference between a good team and a championship team, but those who know him understand the truth: his culture of hard work, trust, and love for his players created winners both on and off the court.
Confidence That Never Fades
When asked by a student how many games he thought he would win before each tipoff, Williams didn’t hesitate: “Every single one.” That answer, delivered with confidence and conviction, sums up the Roy Williams legacy.
Even in retirement, that fire still burns. He may no longer be drawing up plays, but he remains a pillar of inspiration for Tar Heel Nation. His words remind us that true greatness isn’t about the numbers on the scoreboard — it’s about the lives touched, the lessons shared, and the impact that lives on long after the final buzzer.
Roy Williams’ voice is still echoing through the rafters of the Dean Dome, through classrooms at UNC, and through the hearts of Tar Heels everywhere. And if Tuesday’s visit proved anything, it’s this: retirement hasn’t silenced him. It has only made his wisdom louder.
