UNC already had what it should be looking for in a coach | Opinion

My husband, Calvin Mercer — a proud UNC alumnus and lifelong Carolina basketball supporter—and I, an avid supporter of the program, are deeply concerned about the dismissal of Coach Hubert Davis. This decision goes beyond a leadership change; it signals a shift in values that loyal fans find troubling.

Coach Davis consistently led a Top 25 team, showing preparation, leadership, and character. Judging him solely on postseason results—especially a single-game outcome affected by injury—sets a concerning precedent. Even elite programs stumble: Duke, ranked No. 1, recently lost in the NCAA Elite Eight after leading by 19 points.

More importantly, Coach Davis genuinely cared for his players. College athletics should value mentorship, growth, and character alongside competition. Removing a coach who embodies these qualities risks instability, transfers, and disrupted recruiting.

Fans value continuity: seeing players develop, teams grow together, and the program maintain its identity. Short-term results should not overshadow the loyalty, perseverance, and integrity that define Carolina basketball.

Susan Vickery-Mercer, Greenville

Obstacle to reentry

The 2026 NC Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference takes place next week. Its central focus is reducing recidivism — people returning to incarceration. There is a simple, obvious, and inexpensive step the Department of Adult Correction could take to meaningfully address this problem: provide people upon release with a government photo ID, social security card, and birth certificate.

The DAC can obtain these documents easily. For someone just released from prison — often struggling to secure food and shelter — getting them is far harder. Without these documents, finding work and housing is delayed, if not impossible.

According to the DAC website, incarceration costs $150 per day. Obtaining these three documents costs a fraction of that. Research consistently shows that stable housing and meaningful employment are the most critical factors in successful reentry — and both are already difficult to achieve for anyone with a criminal record. Bureaucratic paperwork should not be another barrier. Taxpayer dollars are being wasted as a result.

The DAC has been aware of this for years but done nothing to address it. Governor Stein could resolve it with a one-sentence executive order. Why haven’t they?

Bryant Smith, Mars Hill

A proud moment for America

In the midst of the divisiveness, turmoil, and great angst in our country, it means something that all of us, red or blue, left or right, top or bottom can feel proud of the Artemis mission.

“Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of, and it’s your hopes for the future that carry us now on the journey to the moon” as crew member, Jeremy Hansen, put it. The space mission is a unique endeavor in the sense that it has the potential to transport us once again beyond the usual, entrenched boundaries of our identities and existence.

Dan Darnell, Durham

Another unjust firing

Regarding your editorial March 26th, UNC leaders should have stood by Hubert Davis. Instead they quit on him. There should have been one last March reading - NC State leaders should have stood by Kevin Keatts; instead they quit on him.

Robert A. Ipock, Jr, Lagrange, NCSU class of 1983

Pressure on youth

As a 15-year-old, I’m constantly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It seems innocent, but this question creates stress and pressure to make life-altering decisions before we’re ready.

Many youth feel forced to have a perfect plan before they even exit high school. This unnecessary rush leads students to pursue college degrees they do not like and, likely, will not use. According to the 2025 Graduate Employability Report, only 30% of graduates found jobs related to their major.

With the average student loan debt averaging ~$30,000, why push for these costly decisions at such a young age? Would it not be better to allow us to discover our passions, build healthy habits, and learn valuable skills, rather than forcing us to make a decision we aren’t ready to make?

John McGrail, Newport, Croatan High School Sophomore

Trump dollar? No thanks

I want every bank and business in the Triangle to know that I will not accept as change any US currency with Trump’s name on it! And I will not be the only one doing this!

Dennis Cafferty, Durham

This story was originally published April 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "UNC already had what it should be looking for in a coach | Opinion."