Reaction to the death of retired UNC coach Dean Smith CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Quotes and reaction to the death of retired Hall of Fame North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith: Everything that I've done as a basketball coach, that's the thought process, that I wanted to make Coach Smith proud. [...] it feels like I'm losing a father. John Swofford, ACC commissioner and former UNC athletic director. Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, who played for Smith from 1972-76. All of his players benefited greatly from his basketball teachings, but even more from his ability to help mold men of integrity, honor and purpose. May we celebrate the gift we all were given with his life.