UNC Basketball Legend Gets the Boot in Nashville

Following five years at the helm, former UNC basketball superstar Jerry Stackhouse is no longer the head coach at Vanderbilt.
Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday, despite a contract extension less than two years ago, Vanderbilt announced that UNC basketball product Jerry Stackhouse will not be the Commodores' head coach next season.

Fortunately for the 49-year-old, a former 18-year NBA journeyman wing, he has a considerable buyout coming his way.

This season, Stackhouse's fifth at Vanderbilt, the Commodores finished 9-23 overall and 4-14 in SEC regular-season play. It ended in notably disappointing fashion, as the squad allowed Arkansas to overcome a 15-point deficit in the second half of their SEC Tournament opening-round clash on Wednesday. Vanderbilt fell in overtime, 90-85.

There's no telling yet what's next for Jerry Stackhouse following his first job as head coach at the college level (he was the head coach of the Toronto Raptors' G League affiliate, Raptors 905, from 2016 to 2018). He posted a 70-92 overall record at Vanderbilt and never reached the NCAA Tournament.

"I appreciate the opportunity that Vanderbilt gave me to broaden my experience with the sport that I love, and one that has blessed me in more ways than I can count," said Stackhouse, a two-year UNC basketball sensation who earned consensus First Team All-American honors as a sophomore for the 1994-95 Tar Heels.

"It's been a privilege to serve as the head men's basketball coach for the last five years. My staff and I depart here extremely thankful for every opportunity we've had to help our players grow and develop on and off the floor."

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.