The University of North Carolina made it official today at 4 PM via this statement:
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."
Obviously we knew this last week just no one at UNC would say so out of respect for Bunting's wish they have an untainted homecoming weekend. This is obviously a huge step in the short term for UNC and provides immediate credibility along with strength on the recruiting trail.
More later...
UPDATE:
Laugh line of the statement comes from Butch Davis who said:
"Dick Baddour made my introduction to Carolina happen in a well-planned, well-organized manner"
Only if you consider everyone finding out five says before you intended them to being a well planned and organized. Let no one say Davis does not have a sense of humor.
Also, for the record here are some of the other media hits:
It's Official. Finally[850/620 Blog]
UNC Hires Butch Davis as Coach[News and Observer]
UNC Announces Davis as football coach[Charlotte Observer]
UNC Names Butch Davis new head coach[ESPN.com]
I will have my take on this now that it has actually happened later on...