University of North Carolina Athletics
Torbush Names O'Cain New Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
December 21, 1999 | Football
Dec. 21, 1999
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - University of North Carolina football coach Carl Torbush has announced the addition of Mike O'Cain to Carolina's football coaching staff. O'Cain becomes Carolina's new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach effective immediately.
"We're thrilled to be able to add a coach and person the caliber of Mike O'Cain to the North Carolina football program," Torbush said. "I've known Mike since 1976 when I was an assistant at Southeastern Louisiana and Mike was at Murray State and we were recruiting the same areas. Since that time, I have maintained a great friendship with Mike and it's no secret that I admire and respect what he's done throughout his career as a football coach. So I'm very excited to have him as a part of our staff.
"Mike has gained tremendous respect both nationally and in the Atlantic Coast Conference as an outstanding offensive football coach. The high school coaches within our state and in this region have a similar respect for Mike as both a football coach and a person. His vision and commitment for success both on the football field and in the classroom will make him a tremendous asset for our program, University and community."
"We are pleased to have Coach O'Cain on our staff," said UNC Athletic Director Dick Baddour. "He is an outstanding coach with a strong commitment to academic success. He will be an impressive representative for this University, and he will be a tremendous asset in the recruiting process."
O'Cain joins Carolina after a seven-year run as head football coach at NC State University and 14 years overall with the Wolfpack. After serving from 1986-92 as NC State's quarterbacks coach, O'Cain guided NCSU to a 41-40 record and three bowl appearances as head coach since 1993. In 1994, O'Cain led the Pack to a school-record-tying nine wins, including a 28-24 win over Mississippi State in that season's Peach Bowl. In a 1998 season that saw NC State upset then-second-ranked Florida State, O'Cain's team posted a 7-5 record and led the ACC in passing yards and total offense, both of which were also school bests. Torry Holt, a consensus All-America pick and the No. 6 selection in the 1998 NFL Draft, led the league and set a new conference career record for receiving yards as a part of that team.
"I'd like to thank Carl and Dick for the chance to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of North Carolina," O'Cain said. "I am excited about the opportunities this position offers. I have always had great respect for UNC and its athletic programs, and I look forward to being a part of this great University."
O'Cain has also enjoyed coaching stints at Clemson (1977, graduate assistant/running backs), The Citadel (1978-80, offensive backfield), Murray State (1981-84, assistant head coach/offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach) and East Carolina (1985, assistant head coach). As a player, O'Cain followed up an outstanding prep career as a quarterback for three years at Clemson University, where he was the team's MVP and co-captain in 1976.
