Heels Off Dean's List After 36 Years
As practice begins at two of the nation's top programs, there is a different feeling in the air for Duke and North Carolina. The Tar Heels are without Dean Smith, and the impact is being felt at both schools.

The End of an Era at North Carolina

AP Photo

Dean Smith (pictured), the dean of college basketball, ended one of the most successful careers in the history of the game on Oct. 9 with his retirement as North Carolina's basketball coach. Smith's 36-year run included two national championships, 11 Final Four appearances and a record 879 career victories. At a news conference, he cited a lack of enthusiasm for the game as his primary reason for stepping down. Longtime assistant Bill Guthridge will replace Smith as the Tar Heels' coach.

Moral Tone Led to Great Success

Smith Steps Down Reaction From ACC, Fans Clinton Wishes Smith Well Nike Deal Still Stands Guthridge Takes Over Kansas Ties Run Deep Students Miss the Dean Jim Phelan Now Active Leader

The outpouring of well wishes for Dean Smith has been incredible, with calls and comments from President Clinton and Michael Jordan. But as Post columnist Michael Wilbon (pictured) writes, there are many more people — with much lower profiles — that owe the legendary coach a debt of gratitude.