UNC Hires Bryan Tibaldi After Kim Englishs Brief Staff Stint

Michael Malone, head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, announced the hire of Bryan Tibaldi as an assistant coach. Tibaldi, originally from Traverse City, Michigan, spent the previous season working under Kim English at Providence. Before that, he logged more than six years with the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, serving as an assistant coach, head of player development, and video assistant. His résumé also includes assistant roles at Cleveland State, director of basketball operations at DePaul and Missouri, video coordinator for the Chicago Bulls, and a graduate assistant at Michigan State, where he walked on for two seasons under Tom Izzo and earned Academic All‑Big Ten honors. This background gives him exposure to both professional and collegiate environments.

Malone’s announcement confirmed Tibaldi’s addition to the Chapel Hill staff. In a statement posted on Providence’s website, English praised Tibaldi as a brilliant and dedicated coach, noting his experience under Izzo, with the Bulls and Cavaliers, and his impact on English’s own playing career at Missouri. English himself had accepted a position on Malone’s staff, arrived in Chapel Hill, worked for a few days, and then decided not to coach this season, citing personal reasons.

The hire adds a veteran voice with both NBA and major‑college background to Malone’s bench, potentially strengthening player development and video preparation. Tibaldi’s six‑plus years in the Cavaliers’ system may bring fresh analytical approaches to practice planning. English’s short stay leaves the staff with one fewer new voice but does not alter the overall structure. The Tar Heels now have a mix of recent college experience and long‑term professional insight. Observers will watch how Tibaldi’s experience translates to on‑court performance and whether his presence influences recruiting and game strategy in the upcoming season.