When Dean Smith announced his retirement on Oct. 9, 1997, five other members of the University joined him on stage for his press conference.
There was Bill Guthridge, Smith's longtime assistant, who ultimately led the Tar Heels to 80 wins and two Finals Fours over the next three seasons. Athletic director Dick Baddour and Chancellor Michael Hooker also had seats. And on both ends of the table were Rick Brewer and Steve Kirschner from the Athletic Communications office.
Of the six, only Kirschner, the senior associate athletic director for communications and a sports information director (SID) for men's basketball, remains at UNC.