University of North Carolina Athletics
James Webster Hired as Assistant Coach
December 13, 2000 | Football
Dec. 13, 2000
A Conversation with Coach Webster
Chapel Hill, N.C. ----- James Webster, who coached linebackers and defensive line at East Carolina for the past six seasons, has been hired as a defensive assistant coach, North Carolina head football coach John Bunting announced on Wednesday. Webster is the first coach added to Bunting's staff and will begin immediately. However, his specific responsibility with the defense will be assigned at a later date.
"Jim and I formed a bond in 1968 and it's one that has stood the test of time," said Bunting. "We overcame some adversity in our senior season and became ACC champions in 1971. There's been a bond between the two of us ever since that year. I have no doubt he is the right guy for my coaching staff. He has a commitment to make Carolina the best program in the country."
Like Bunting, Webster came to North Carolina in 1968 and started at linebacker for three consecutive seasons. Although the two have kept in contact since leaving the University, Webster and Bunting did not actually see each other again until the summer of 1999 at the St. Louis Rams' preseason workouts. Webster spent the summer with Bunting and the Rams, watching and learning the NFL practice routine.
"I'm excited to join John in coaching at my alma mater," said Webster. "I appreciate the opportunity John has given me. He was there for me out there on that football field when we played together and I'm here for him now to serve this institution. We will get things accomplished."
At East Carolina, Webster coached the Pirates' outside linebackers for five seasons from 1995-99 and this year was in charge of the defensive line. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 1999.
A 23-year college coaching veteran, Webster began his coaching career at North Carolina under former head coach Bill Dooley in 1973 working with the junior varsity program. He also has been a linebackers coach at Dartmouth (1994-95) and Wake Forest (1988-93) and worked with the defensive backs at Northwestern (1982-84). Webster also served coaching stints at Florida (1974), Kansas (1975-78) and Colorado (1978-81).
A 1972 graduate of North Carolina, Webster was a standout defensive player for the Tar Heels. He was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player in the 1971 Gator Bowl and was the recipient of the ACC's Brian Piccolo Award in 1972.
Webster, 50, and his wife, Cornelia, have a 23-year-old son, Kali.
