North Carolina's coaching search is focused "solely" on Billy Donovan, The Field of 68 reported.
Donovan, who currently coaches the Chicago Bulls, led Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006-07.
Sunday's report said the Tar Heels are "going to go hard after him" and "expect to know more in the next 24 hours."
Donovan, 60, has been coaching in the NBA since compiling a 467-186 record with the Gators from 1996-2015.
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He is 224-253 with the Bulls (29-48 this season) after going 243-157 with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015-20.
North Carolina parted ways with Hubert Davis after last month's first-round loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan coach Dusty May and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd are among the potential candidates who have decided to remain at their current posts.
--Field Level Media