: Roy Williams Inks $16.5M Netflix Deal for Tar Heels Docuseries Honoring Dan Smith
In a stunning announcement that has rocked the world of college basketball and entertainment, legendary UNC Tar Heels coach Roy Williams has officially signed a $16.5 million deal with Netflix to produce a docuseries chronicling the legacy of North Carolina basketball and honoring one of its lesser-known pioneers, Dan Smith.
The docuseries, titled “Carolina Code: The Smith Legacy”, will span eight episodes, combining historical footage, exclusive interviews, and never-before-seen archival material to explore the soul of Tar Heels basketball—from the iconic Dean Smith era to the rise of Michael Jordan and the lasting influence of Roy Williams himself. But at its heart, the series will spotlight Dan Smith, a trailblazing African American player who broke barriers in the 1960s, paving the way for generations of Tar Heel athletes.
“This project means more to me than just basketball,” Roy Williams stated at the press conference. “It’s about honoring those who sacrificed, who fought for inclusion, who made Carolina what it is today. Dan Smith was a pioneer. He doesn’t get the headlines, but he changed the game.”
Though often overlooked in mainstream narratives, Dan Smith was among the earliest Black scholarship athletes at UNC during a turbulent era of integration in the South. His presence on the court wasn’t just about scoring points—it was about courage, resilience, and defiance in the face of racial adversity. Through in-depth storytelling and rare personal journals, the series aims to restore Smith’s place in Tar Heel history.
Produced by SpringHill Entertainment, with LeBron James as an executive producer, and in collaboration with ESPN Films, the project promises high production value and deep cultural resonance. Netflix executives described the series as “a powerful sports epic that goes beyond the hardwood to examine race, legacy, and leadership.”
The show will also feature commentary from UNC greats like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Antawn Jamison, and Vince Carter, as well as present-day coaching voices including Hubert Davis, the first African American head coach in UNC men’s basketball history. Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is also rumored to appear in a reflective segment highlighting the mutual respect between rivals during Williams’ tenure.
Filming begins this fall, with a planned global release date in Spring 2026.
Social media exploded with reactions moments after the announcement. Alumni, athletes, and fans are already hailing the docuseries as “long overdue” and “a definitive moment in sports storytelling.”
While Roy Williams officially retired from coaching in 2021, this bold move into documentary filmmaking shows he’s far from done shaping the legacy of UNC. “This is for every player who wore that Carolina blue,” Williams said. “And especially for those who made it possible for others to follow.”
“Carolina Code” is not just a basketball story. It’s a story of progress, grit, and a forgotten hero finally getting his due.
