UNC extends Davis contract

Chapel Hill, N.C. - The University of North Carolina has agreed in principle to a 1-year contract extension and a raise of $291,000, pending approval of the University Board of Trustees next week, for head coach Butch Davis.

"We recognize the progress Coach Davis has made in rebuilding and generating momentum in the Carolina football program," said UNC athletics director Dick Baddour. "Progress has been demonstrated by the hard work of the players on and off the field, the competitive games Carolina has played against one of the nation's most difficult schedules, the excitement each week at Kenan Stadium and the quality of the student-athletes he and his staff are recruiting.

"We approached Coach Davis about the possibility of extending and enhancing his contract several weeks ago," Baddour added. "We recognize that we have one of the nation's best coaches and we wanted to ensure the stability of the program. We were aggressive in pursuing Coach Davis last year before the season ended and we wanted to be ahead of the curve this year."

"My family and I felt like Chapel Hill was the right place last year and are even more convinced after being here for one season," said Davis. "I'm appreciative of the show of support from Dick Baddour, the administration, Chancellor Moeser and the Board of Trustees."

"I'm confident we will continue to make progress in all phases of the football program," Davis added. "Tammy, Drew and I look forward to a long and successful career at the University of North Carolina. This should put to rest any speculation of where I'll be coaching in the future."