Dean Smith

A tribute to the late Dean Smith, called a "coaching legend" by the Basketball Hall of Fame

When he retired as North Carolina’s basketball coach in 1997, Dean Smith was the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history, leading the Tar Heels to an unprecedented 879 wins in a career that began in 1961. By 2015, when Smith passed away at the age of 83, the coach had become something of a living legend. Beloved by fans and players alike, Coach Smith’s legacy was apparent well before his passing. In Dean Smith: More than a Coach, the Charlotte Observer recalls Coach Smith’s many accomplishments on and off the court, and reveals the impact he had on the lives of countless others. This commemorative tribute features dozens of rare stories and photographs from the newspaper’s archives, and an exclusive introduction from acclaimed Observer columnist Scott Fowler. Whether celebrating Smith’s two national championships, his four Coach of the Year awards, or his leadership in integrating the North Carolina basketball program, the book demonstrates that Smith’s life is one well worth remembering.