CHAPEL HILL — After more than three decades in coaching, North Carolina’s Butch Davis has gotten used to having his name linked to other jobs when they come open.
So he didn’t seem particularly surprised when he was asked Tuesday evening whether he had any interest in the Tennessee job, which became vacant when Phillip Fulmer was fired this week.
Davis’ response: “The long and short of it is that the administration and I are completely, firmly committed to building a championship football program at North Carolina. And my family and I are very happy in Chapel Hill.”
Davis said that in some respects, “you’re flattered a little bit” when his name comes up — and that every coach deals with it, from Southern Cal’s Pete Carroll to Texas’ Mack Brown to Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer. In the final weeks of last season, his first at Carolina, Davis was often questioned about the Arkansas opening, too; eventually, Davis was given a raise and contract extension at UNC. “You grin and bear it,’’ he said of the speculation. “And it kind of goes with the territory.”
But is there anything coaches can do to fight the perception of being interested in other openings?
“In 34 years, I haven’t seen anybody successfully do it, in the NFL and college, high school,’’ he said. “… You just gut it out until they hurry up and name somebody, hire somebody at the other place. And [like] in the case of Arkansas last year — the sooner the better.”
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at
Comments
UNC and BD
Wed, 11/05/2008 - 15:20 — jeff (not verified)UNC is one of the most alluring schools in all the nation, and arguably the most alluring public university. I see more UNC caps and shirts than any other, no matter where I travel. I can go to NY or Atlanta and see them on the streets. Go to NY or DC and try to find a Tn or Ga cap. Why do think the number of applications for admittance is so high? Just try to get in. And why is the basketball team arguably the best? Athletes want to go where the other kids want to go. But they want to go where their team can compete. UNC has proven in the past that they can be as good as anyone. Under Mack Brown, there were not 3-5 teams in the country that were better during his last 5 years at UNC. Only Tx could quelch his ego. He would not left for many other schools - maybe ND. The same could be said for the Dick Crum area before he lost control. Butch Davis made UNC competitive in his first year. During his second year he will possibly win 80 percent of his games. And according to his redshirts and 2009 recruiting class, UNC will be knocking on the top-ten door next year, and will likely be competitive with anyone in the country. UNC is beginning to regain this same allure for its football team (as it had under Mack Brown) as it bb team commands. Butch knows this. Why would he want to go to TN. If you were a high school student, which university would you want to attend? UNC is a step up from most universities in both academia and in basketball, and this will soon be the case in football. Just watch and be silent!
Yes he would go
Thu, 11/06/2008 - 16:51 — volman (not verified)When is the last time unc played for a national championship,,, in football? For the right amount of money even butch davis can be bought,,, All I can say is welcome to the SEC by far the best
HELLO????
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 23:06 — gvillegatrcan we finally say this is done in blood??
He said something similar...
Tue, 11/04/2008 - 21:03 — UNCAlumnusOn his radio show last Wednesday. I'm glad Butch Davis is UNC's football coach. The fact that he is linked to other jobs tells me he is doing a good job at UNC. To hear words like those written by Ms. Pickeral above make me doubly glad. Davis seems commited enough to UNC. The contracts and all are a part of "big time" college football. UNC chose to join that fracas when they hired Davis. I fully expect them to do what they have to do. Especially when Davis is able to do what's expected with the football team. Bowls and championships are words not mentioned with UNC football for a good while. The excitement around the program now is thrilling. It's also exciting knowing the good things have only just begun.