Former North Carolina coach Dean Smith announced his retirement 20 years ago, on Oct. 9, 1997. Here’s a look back at what happened that day.
This story was published in The News & Observer in October 1997.
Dean Smith to step down Guthridge to succeed legendary UNC coach
By Steve Elling
Dean Smith, the coach with more NCAA Division I basketball victories than any other, has abruptly hung up his whistle.
The University of North Carolina coach, after 36 heady seasons and two national championships, will announce in a news conference at 2 p.