See UNC basketball players’ reactions on social media to Coach Davis’ firing

Coach Hubert Davis has his players’ support Tuesday night after the University of North Carolina announced that it had parted ways with the longtime coach and former Tar Heels player.

Shortly after news broke Tuesday night, following days of speculation about Davis’ future, several players took to social media with photos of Davis, heart emojis and thanks yous.

Davis’ future as coach was under scrutiny after the No. 6 seeded Tar Heels lost in overtime to No. 11 seed VCU on Thursday. VCU had closed a 19-point deficit for a massive comeback. It was the second consecutive first-round exit for the Tar Heels.

Davis issued his own statement on Instagram to say he had been “let go” and that he had hoped to continue as coach.

“My desire was to continue to coach here,” Davis said. “This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.”

Here’s a roundup of some of the players’ reactions.

Elijah Davis, Hubert Davis’ son and a senior on the men’s basketball team

Earlier Tuesday, Elijah Davis removed traces of UNC basketball from his Instagram page. The post of him and his father remained one of two posts. Elijah Davis saw little playing time, but made a significant 3-pointer — his first points ever on the team — in December against ECU.

Seth Trimble

The senior played all four seasons at North Carolina under Davis, a rarity in college basketball. He posted a photo from a press conference where he’s sitting next to Davis. “Part of the reason I’m here, thank you for the opportunity,” Trimble wrote.

Caleb Wilson

Wilson, a star freshman expected to be a first round pick in the NBA Draft, saw his season end with an injury before the Tar Heels played their second game against Duke.

“Thank you for everything Coach Davis, one of the best men and coaches in my life,” he tweeted Tuesday night.

Zayden High

High, a sophomore from San Antonio, tweeted his support: “i appreciate you for everything Coach Davis, thank you for everything you have done for me.”

Derek Dixon

Dixon posted a photo of him and Davis, with Davis’ arm around him, accompanied by a heart emoji.

Isaiah Denis

Denis, a freshman from Charlotte, posted a photo of him with Davis on his Instagram stories: “forever love this way coach.”

Jaydon Young

Young, a junior from Goldsboro, posted a photo on his Instagram story of Davis speaking with members of the team with “U$” next to the photo.

James Brown

Brown, a sophomore from Aurora, Illinois, posted a photo on his Instagram story of Davis celebrating with the team. It was accompanied by a heart emoji.

This story was originally published March 24, 2026 at 11:32 PM with the headline "See UNC basketball players’ reactions on social media to Coach Davis’ firing."

Jessica Banov

The News & Observer

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Jessica Banov is an editor and audience growth specialist at The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. She is the night Breaking News Editor for McClatchy’s Southeast region and The N&O’s Features Editor. She also serves as The News & Observer’s intern program coordinator.