Stephen A. Smith suggests LeVelle Moton replace Roy Williams at North Carolina

Dean Smith. Roy Williams. LeVelle Moton?

If ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith had his way, Moton — the current North Carolina Central head coach — would follow Williams at North Carolina, who announced his retirement on Thursday after 33 seasons as a college coach.

“You need someone who can recruit who has a track record that’s homegrown, Smith said on First Take. “I believe LeVelle Moton, the head coach at North Carolina Central, should be strongly considered to be the next head coach in Chapel Hill.”

.@stephenasmith wants LeVelle Moton, the head coach at North Carolina Central, to be the next coach of the Tar Heels. pic.twitter.com/mHSqLyIN2W

— First Take (@FirstTake) April 1, 2021

Moton, who is friends with Williams, wrote on Twitter that “college basketball took a hit” after learning of the announcement.

Also read: How a 5-minute phone call between Roy Williams and LeVelle Moton led to North Carolina Central playing in Chapel Hill

“College Basketball took a hit today,” Moton said. “When I was hired, the 1st person to reach out & offer support was Roy Williams. Over the years, we became great friends. Thank you 4 ur support, friendship, and making our game better. You will be missed. See u on the golf course my man.”

During the regular season, North Carolina and North Carolina Central played each other in December.

For his career, Moton has led NCCU to three MEAC regular-season titles, four conference championships and four trips to the NCAA Tournament in 12 seasons.