Date Announced!!! Emotional!!! Netflix to Release Heartfelt Documentary Honoring Legendary Tar Heels Coach Dean Smith
Basketball fans and sports history lovers, mark your calendars — an emotional and long-awaited tribute is finally on its way. Netflix has officially announced the release date for a powerful new documentary celebrating the life and legacy of one of college basketball’s most iconic figures: Dean Smith, the legendary head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels. The documentary, titled Dean Smith: More Than a Coach, will premiere globally on August 15, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
This deeply moving film promises to do more than recount wins and championships. It will take viewers on an unforgettable journey through the remarkable career and humanitarian spirit of the man who not only defined an era of basketball but also shaped generations of players on and off the court.
Smith, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, is revered not just for his success as a coach — which includes 879 career victories, two national championships, and 11 Final Four appearances — but also for his unwavering commitment to civil rights, education, and the betterment of his players as human beings.
“This isn’t just a basketball story,” says director Ava Franklin, a rising voice in sports documentaries who led the project. “It’s a story about leadership, empathy, courage, and legacy. Dean Smith stood for so much more than wins. He stood for what was right, even when it wasn’t popular.”
Dean Smith: More Than a Coach includes never-before-seen archival footage, heartfelt interviews with former players such as Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Antawn Jamison, as well as commentary from fellow coaching legends like Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, and Coach K’s long-time rival turned admirer.
The documentary delves into Smith’s early life growing up in Kansas, his groundbreaking recruitment of the first Black scholarship athlete at UNC, Charlie Scott, and the unique “Carolina Way” he instilled that emphasized teamwork, selflessness, and discipline. Viewers can expect raw, emotional recollections from those closest to Smith — stories of quiet phone calls during times of need, life-changing advice, and moments of deep humility.
“Coach Smith was a second father to many of us,” says Michael Jordan in the film’s trailer. “He taught me more about being a man than being a player. This film captures that.”
Netflix executives say the project was greenlit to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of Smith’s passing and the 50th anniversary of his first NCAA championship win in 1975.
“We knew we wanted to honor Dean Smith in a way that reflected his depth,” said Netflix Sports Documentaries VP, Clara Mendoza. “This film is emotional, uplifting, and honest — just like Coach.”
Social media erupted with excitement after the release date announcement, with fans, alumni, and former players sharing photos, quotes, and tearful tributes. The hashtag #DeanSmithDoc quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the coach’s lasting impact on the game and American culture.
Whether you’re a lifelong Tar Heels fan, a lover of the game, or simply someone inspired by stories of dignity and determination, Dean Smith: More Than a Coach is shaping up to be one of the most powerful sports documentaries of the year.
Don’t miss its emotional worldwide debut on Netflix, August 15, 2025.
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