Matt Doherty

Matt Doherty was born on February 25, 1962. He would go on to become a prominent figure in college basketball, first as a player for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and then as a coach for various college teams, including his alma mater UNC. His career has seen a series of notable achievements and challenges, both on the court as a player and on the sidelines as a coach.

Matt Doherty was part of the University of North Carolina basketball team that won the NCAA championship in 1982. Under the guidance of legendary coach Dean Smith, the Tar Heels defeated Georgetown 63-62 in a nail-biting final. This championship team featured other prominent players such as James Worthy and Michael Jordan, who famously made the game-winning shot.

On July 11, 2000, Matt Doherty was announced as the head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team. He had previously served as head coach at Notre Dame and accepted the role at his alma mater with significant expectations. His hiring was seen as a move to continue the storied tradition of UNC basketball

In only his first season as head coach, Matt Doherty led the UNC Tar Heels to an ACC regular season title. Under his leadership, the team had a strong performance, showcasing his ability as a coach to lead a successful team. This achievement saw UNC finish the regular season with a 22-5 record and a number one seed in the NCAA tournament.

On April 1, 2003, Matt Doherty resigned as head coach of the University of North Carolina basketball team. His resignation came after a tumultuous season and internal pressures. Despite a promising start, his time at UNC ended with a reported loss of support from players and administration, showcasing the challenges of coaching a high-profile program.

On April 24, 2006, Matt Doherty was hired as the head coach of Southern Methodist University (SMU) men's basketball team. His appointment marked a new chapter in his coaching career. Doherty was tasked with building up the team's performance and establishing them as a competitive force within college basketball, a challenge he embraced head-on.

Matt Doherty was fired as the head coach of the SMU men's basketball team on March 13, 2012. Over his tenure, the team had mixed results, which ultimately led to his dismissal. His coaching at SMU did not meet the expectations set by the administration, and his departure marked another significant moment in his career.

In January 2019, Matt Doherty was appointed as the Executive Director of the Charlotte Chamber. This marked a transition from his extensive career in basketball to a leadership role in business and community development. His appointment was seen as bringing a fresh perspective and leadership skills honed in coaching to the business world.

On January 9, 2020, Matt Doherty released his memoir titled 'Rebound: From Pain to Passion.' The book details his personal and professional journey, including his highs and lows, lessons learned, and experiences that shaped his life both in and out of basketball. It provides insight into his career transitions and challenges faced.

On February 25, 2021, the Atlantic 10 Conference announced that Matt Doherty was joining as an advisor. In this role, Doherty was to provide strategic guidance and support for enhancing competitiveness and operations within the conference. His extensive background in coaching and leadership made him a valuable asset in this new capacity.