University of North Carolina Athletics
Phil Ford Returns To Coaching Duties
November 8, 1999 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 8, 1999
CHAPEL HILL --- University of North Carolina assistant men's basketball coach Phil Ford returned to coaching duties today following successful completion of a residential treatment program specializing in alcohol abuse.
Ford, who had been on medical leave, entered the treatment program at an undisclosed site Oct. 6. Immediately after his recent release, Ford resumed a comprehensive and thorough evaluation over several days by a team of health-care professionals from UNC's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP).
Those professionals, who consulted with physicians at the treatment program, reported Ford had made excellent progress and strongly recommended he return to his coaching post. They also suggested he undergo intense daily participation in campus-based out-patient treatment activities to be closely supervised by university experts, said Dr. Robert Golden, who heads the department affiliated with the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Hospitals that administers ASAP. Key university program members conducted the initial evaluation of Ford and recommended he enter the residential treatment program, Golden said.
Head coach Bill Guthridge has made two changes in his coaching staff with Ford's return. Assistant coach Pat Sullivan will take Ford's place in off-campus recruiting and assistant coach Dave Hanners is coaching the Junior Varsity team.
"Coach Ford has taken the necessary first step to resuming his life and coaching career," Director of Athletics Dick Baddour said. "He cooperated with those who advised him to seek medical care and he continues to embrace their recommendations for future treatment. He also understands the paramount importance of effectively combating this disease.
"All of the health professionals involved in Phil's case have indicated his positive steps toward a strong recovery and have made it clear to us that it is time for him to resume his life and career with these modified duties," Baddour said.
Interim Chancellor William O. McCoy, Baddour and Guthridge have been closely involved in discussions about Ford and his treatment program in recent weeks.
"I am certainly encouraged by the hard work and dedication that Phil has demonstrated in fighting this disease," McCoy said. "Phil understands that we support him, will help him and expect exemplary behavior in the future."
Ford will be expected to take extra time to be diligent in his recovery efforts, Baddour said.
"Part of that diligence is working with trained professionals from the university who will help him manage his disease," he said. "Phil has made mistakes due to his illness. He is fully committed to continuing to work hard on his recovery. Phil remains a valued colleague who has brought a great deal of credit to his university through the years and can in the future. We support him and will do what we can to assist him."
Added Guthridge, "Our student-athletes have a close relationship with Phil and are anxious to work with him once again. I will be proud to have him back as a member of our staff and have confidence in Phil's ability to get his life and career back on track."
