Coaching Profile: Butch Davis

In 2005, when he was an analyst on the NFL network, Butch Davis was one of the hottest names on the college football market as fans of schools from Arkansas to Texas to UCLA were hoping to land this household coaching name.

Who guessed he would end up wearing Carolina Blue?

Davis, who played college football at the University of Arkansas for Coach Frank Broyles, was introduced as North Carolina's head coach on November 13, 2006, replacing the fired John Bunting, who had just one winning season in Chapel Hill. Four months later, Coach Davis was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He underwent Chemotherapy and has not missed a beat since.

Before arriving in Chapel Hill, Coach Davis earned his stripes at both the collegiate and pro levels. The 56 year-old Davis was head coach for six seasons at the University of Miami (1995-2000) and led the Hurricanes to a 51-20 record, three Big East Conference championships and four post-season bowl wins in as many appearances, including a team that finished No. 2 in the nation in 2000 when the Canes went 11-1 and beat Florida, 37-20, in the Sugar Bowl.

After Miami, Davis was Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2001 until December, 2004, when he resigned after a 3–8 start, ending his tenure with a 24–35 overall record as Head Coach.

Like many College Coaches before him, Davis realized that the NFL did not suit his Head Coaching style. However, after returning to the College game, Davis has been successful in building a winning program at UNC.

Coach Davis has certainly seen his share of adversity and, after Saturday's letdown against UVA, will be looking to roar back against the Eagles this weekend.

BUTCH DAVIS ANTHOLOGY
2001-04 Cleveland Browns - Head Coach
1995-00 University of Miami - Head Coach
1989-94 Dallas Cowboys - Assistant / Defensive Coordinator
1984-88 University of Miami - Assistant
1979-83 Oklahoma State University - Assistant
1978 Tulsa Rogers (Okla.) High School - Head Coach