Bunting Wins Contract Extension

Posted on Nov. 22, 2004

Following Carolina’s 40-17 win over Duke, football Coach John Bunting ’72 was given a two-year extension on his contract, which now reaches to 2009. Chancellor James Moeser announced the extension, pending approval of the trustees, in the locker room after the game.

The Tar Heels’ 6-5 record and an expected bowl game invitation are a twist on the early-season story, when Bunting’s team struggled before pulling ahead of William and Mary and was beaten by Virginia, Louisville, Florida State and Utah – prompting some fans to call for Bunting to be fired.

A dramatic win over N.C. State raised some downcast eyebrows, and the victory over Miami is rated among the program’s finest moments ever.

“Look at what’s happened [over the] last couple of years … building, building, building,” Bunting said after the Duke game. “Now we’ve got the program going in the right direction. I said at the beginning of the season that, toward the end, you’d be able to recognize that. It’s a tribute to our kids and staff.”

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