University of North Carolina’s women’s basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell has resigned following an internal review that determined “the program needed to be taken in a new direction.”

“The University commissioned a review of our women’s basketball program, which found issues that led us to conclude that the program needed to be taken in a new direction,” read athletic director Bubba Cunningham’s statement. “It is in the best interests of our University and student-athletes for us to do so.”

Hatchell’s statement:

“It has been the great honor and privilege of my life to coach at the University of North Carolina. I want to thank John Swofford for giving me my dream job 33 years ago. The University will always hold a special place in my heart.”

She was accused of pressuring players to play through injuries as well as using racially insensitive language.

The review conducted by Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein found that:

  • Hatchell made comments that were racially insensitive, and when confronted by players and staff did not respond in a timely or appropriate manner. The review concluded that Hatchell is not viewed as a racist, but her comments and subsequent response caused many in the program to believe she lacked awareness and appreciation for the effect her remarks had on those who heard them.
  • Players and medical staff expressed frustration with perceived and undue influence from Hatchell regarding medical issues and pressure to play. Despite Hatchell’s questioning of player care, status and readiness, the medical staff did not surrender to pressure to clear players before they were medically ready.”

  • There has been a breakdown of connectivity between the players and Hatchell.

You can’t coach millenials like you would previous generations of players. 

Times have changed, and as a coach, you must change with them.  

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.