Date Announced!!! Emotional!!! Netflix to Release Special Documentary Honoring Legendary Tar Heels Coach Dean Smith
Chapel Hill, NC – June 9, 2025 — In an announcement that has stirred deep emotions throughout the basketball world and beyond, Netflix has officially revealed the release date for its highly anticipated documentary celebrating the life and legacy of legendary North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Dean Smith.
The special documentary, titled “Dean Smith: More Than a Coach”, will premiere on July 15, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. The film promises to be a powerful tribute to a man who not only shaped generations of basketball stars but also stood as a pillar of integrity, leadership, and social progress.
Dean Smith, who coached the Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997, left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. Under his guidance, North Carolina claimed two national championships (1982 and 1993), made 11 Final Four appearances, and produced a long list of NBA greats, including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter. Yet, Smith’s impact extended far beyond the court. Known for his fierce commitment to racial integration and his belief in education, equality, and teamwork, Smith helped transform college athletics into a platform for social change.
The documentary features never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive interviews with former players, colleagues, and family members, and heartfelt commentary from figures across sports and culture. Narrated by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, the film delves into Smith’s coaching philosophy, his courage during the civil rights movement, and the quiet acts of kindness that revealed his true character.
“We’re not just telling the story of a coach,” said director Ava DuVernay. “We’re telling the story of a man who used his platform to challenge injustice, lift others up, and lead with compassion. Dean Smith changed lives.”
News of the release date has brought an outpouring of emotion from Tar Heel fans, former players, and basketball enthusiasts across the globe. Social media lit up with memories, gratitude, and tributes to a coach who shaped one of the most storied programs in NCAA history.
Michael Jordan, who has long credited Smith for his development both on and off the court, shared a statement: “Coach Smith was more than a coach to me. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a true leader. This documentary will give the world a glimpse of the man we were all lucky to know.”
With the countdown officially underway, the documentary is already being hailed as a must-watch event of the summer. For fans of the Tar Heels and admirers of Dean Smith’s enduring legacy, July 15 can’t come soon enough.
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