College basketball icon Roy Williams is officially returning to the sport he helped shape for decades, this time in a high-profile NCAA leadership role that is already generating major buzz across the basketball community.
The former University of North Carolina head coach and one-time point guard is set to join the NCAA in a newly created advisory position focused on player development, coaching mentorship, and strengthening ties between college programs and governing bodies. The appointment marks Williams’ first formal return to college basketball since retiring in 2021 after a Hall of Fame career.
According to NCAA officials, Williams will serve as Senior Advisor for Collegiate Basketball Integrity and Development, a role designed to provide strategic input on issues facing the game today—including NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations, the transfer portal, and evolving recruitment standards.
Williams, 74, coached the Tar Heels from 2003 to 2021, leading the program to three national championships (2005, 2009, 2017) and cementing his place among the greatest to ever do it. Before that, he spent 15 years at the helm of the Kansas Jayhawks, bringing his total career wins to an astounding 903.
In a statement released Monday morning, Williams expressed his excitement about re-engaging with the sport from a new angle.
“I’ve always believed in the values college basketball can teach—discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” Williams said. “This role gives me a chance to help preserve those values and guide the game in a direction that benefits both student-athletes and coaches.”
News of Williams’ return has been met with overwhelming praise from fans, players, and coaches alike. “Coach Williams is one of the most respected figures in the game,” said current UNC head coach Hubert Davis. “His perspective will be invaluable at a time when college basketball is undergoing major change.”
While Williams has remained a visible presence at UNC games and events since his retirement, many fans wondered if he’d ever take on an official role again. With this announcement, it’s clear that his influence on the game is far from over.
The NCAA confirmed that Williams will begin his duties ahead of the upcoming season, with plans to travel to various campuses and collaborate directly with coaching staffs, athletic departments, and student-athletes.
For college basketball purists and UNC loyalists alike, Roy Williams’ return isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reassuring sign that tradition, experience, and leadership still matter in today’s fast-changing sports landscape.
