CHAPEL HILL - Butch Davis, a 32-year coaching veteran, will be the next head football coach at the University of North Carolina, director of athletics Dick Baddour announced today.

The University and Davis reached an agreement in principle last week for Davis to become UNC's head coach. Contract details will be released when the University's board of trustees approves them at a later date.

Chancellor James Moeser and Baddour will introduce Davis as the head coach at a press conference on Monday, November 27.

"We are proud to make this announcement and delighted with the results of this search," says Baddour. "Butch Davis became our first choice early in the process, although we did not know of his interest in us. We were excited to learn of his interest in Carolina and our football program and proceeded from that point. He's a first class individual who is committed to preparing his student-athletes for success in all aspects of their lives. I was impressed with his knowledge of the University and his vision for the football program."

Baddour adds, "Although we are tremendously excited to be making this announcement, the Chancellor, Coach Davis and I feel strongly that our student-athletes and coaches be given the best opportunity to focus on the final two games against NC State and Duke. Coach John Bunting, his staff and the players have reacted to the events of the last several weeks with class. They have prepared and played admirably under the circumstances. So as not to detract from their efforts, we have all agreed that none of the principals will be available for further comment until the November 27th press conference. We hope the media and our fans will respect our decision."

Chancellor Moeser says of today's announcement, "I am very impressed with Butch Davis's record as both an outstanding coach and strong advocate of academic performance. My own personal interaction with Butch, supported by all of my conversations with faculty and administrators who have known him over the years, confirmed the view that he has the values and commitments we care about most at Carolina. Dick Baddour is to be commended for leading our focused and successful search."

"My family and I are very excited at the thought of being an active part of the University of North Carolina family," says Davis.

"It's one of the most outstanding Universities and athletic programs in the country. The timing of my decision to consider coaching opportunities and the opening at UNC seemed to intersect perfectly. Dick Baddour made my introduction to Carolina happen in a well-planned, well-organized manner and did an outstanding job of presenting the virtues of UNC - it's people; it's strong commitment to both academics and athletics; as well as the exciting, active part it plays in the community. Obviously, he succeeded. And, for that, I'm grateful."

"As Chancellor Moeser, Dick Baddour and I decided jointly, the focus for the entire football family of student athletes and coaches in Chapel Hill ought to be on their final two games of the season. I will be happy to expand on my hopes and visions for UNC football when we get together for the news conference at the end of this month. For now, I'll be trying to teach my son, Drew, what a Tar Heel is."