DATE ANNOUNCED!!! Netflix Unveils Emotional Documentary Honoring Legendary UNC Coach Dean Smith – A Tribute to a Tar Heel Icon
CHAPEL HILL, NC — A wave of emotion and celebration is sweeping through college basketball as Netflix officially announces the release date for one of the most anticipated sports documentaries of the year. The streaming giant revealed today that it will debut a special documentary honoring the life and legacy of legendary North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Dean Smith on September 22, 2025.
Titled “Dean: More Than a Coach,” the film promises to be a moving, in-depth look at the man whose impact transcended the hardwood. From his record-setting wins and two national championships to his quiet courage in matters of civil rights and human decency, Dean Smith wasn’t just a coach — he was a cultural force.
The announcement was made via a heartfelt teaser released by Netflix, which features archival footage of Smith in his signature Carolina blue, moments of triumph inside the Dean Dome, and emotional interviews from former players, including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Roy Williams.
“He didn’t just teach us to play basketball — he taught us how to live,” says Jordan in the clip, voice cracking with emotion.
The documentary, which has been years in the making, will chronicle Smith’s 36-year career at UNC, where he amassed 879 wins, appeared in 11 Final Fours, and forever changed the game with his innovation, integrity, and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. But just as importantly, the film will spotlight Smith’s courage off the court — his early and steadfast support of racial integration, his quiet efforts to help former players find jobs, and his relentless advocacy for education and character.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ezra Thomas, the project blends game footage, behind-the-scenes interviews, never-before-seen photos, and deeply personal stories from the people who knew Smith best — players, family, fellow coaches, and journalists who watched his quiet revolution unfold over decades.
“This is not just a basketball film,” said Thomas in a statement. “It’s a film about leadership, humility, and how one man used his platform to stand for something bigger than sport. Dean Smith changed lives — and not just the ones wearing jerseys.”
The news of the documentary has already struck an emotional chord with Tar Heel Nation. Social media erupted moments after the announcement, with hashtags like #DeanDoc and #ForTheLoveOfSmith trending within hours. Fans across generations shared stories of what Coach Smith meant to them, and UNC’s official account posted a simple, powerful message:
“His legacy lives on. September 22. Thank you, Coach.”
From the Smith Center to living rooms across America, viewers will soon have the chance to relive the highs, learn the untold stories, and feel the heart of a man who truly stood for more than just wins and banners.
“Dean: More Than a Coach” premieres September 22, only on Netflix.
Get your tissues ready, Tar Heel Nation — this one’s going to be special. 💙🏀
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