Sources: Davis, UNC Close To Deal

WRALSportsFan

Sources: Davis, UNC Close To Deal

Nov 9, 2006

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Sources indicate that former NFL coach Butch Davis is expected to soon become North Carolina's new head football coach.

Insiders both in Cleveland at the University of North Carolina told WRAL that negotiations between the Tar Heels and Davis have entered the final stages. There is no word if a contract has been signed or when it will be, but one source indicated that both sides "are at a point where only the I's need dotting and T's crossed."

The Winston-Salem Journal reported Wednesday afternoon that Davis had signed a deal to accept the head coaching job at UNC. Athletic officials at the university declined to comment on the negotiations or the status of the coaching search late Wednesday afternoon.

Davis' agent, Marvin Demoff, told The Charlotte Observer late Wednesday that "there is no agreement," but discussions will continue.

Davis was fired from the Cleveland Browns in 2004 and spent the last two years working for the NFL Network. Prior to his tenure at Cleveland, he was the head coach at the University of Miami, taking over a problem-ridden program and setting the table for Larry Coker and the Canes 2001 national championship.

If a deal is reached, the next step will be a formal announcement by the Tar Heels. With ousted John Bunting still running the team for the three games left in the season, North Carolina might want to delay the press conference. But it is important that when or if Davis is hired, he will need to get started as soon as possible for recruiting purposes.

Reporter: Jeff Gravley
Web Editor: Dana Franks