University of North Carolina Athletics
John Bunting Quotes On Carolina's Recent Hires
January 21, 2004 | Football
Jan. 21, 2004
Opening statement:
"We're excited bout the coaching hires here. I've got the best of both
worlds. I've got two guys that have had great football experiences. One
younger than the other, but both have been involved in the traditions of Big
Ten football and traditions of winning. Both have coached and played for
some fine coaches. They know how to win. I think they're going to be
extremely complimentary of one another ... I'm really looking forward to
working with both of them to put this program back where it belongs."
On when he came up with the idea to have co-defensive coordinators:
"It probably struck me when I took this job. I've been one of those. It
works. It's a situation that if specifically developed the right way, you
can get the most out of coaches that have had either great experience or
have great motivation to really develop themselves even further. I think
it's a very healthy title to give Marvin Sanders."
On what attracted him to Marvin Sanders:
"They had a terrific defense this year, particularly stopping the pass. I
think they were No. 1 in pass efficiency defense. They had 32 interceptions.
He did quite well at Colorado State. I'm very close to their defensive line
coach, Tom Ehlers, who coached at Brown University. We talked to (Colorado
State) Coach (Sonny) Lubick, who is a secondary coach by trade. He was
tremendously enthusiastic about Marvin. Other people I talked to in the game
expressed the same sentiments that I heard from those two. I like the way
his team played against Michigan State (in the Alamo Bowl). The had a great
pass rush going on and great coverage and very, very competitive defensive
backfield play."
On the qualities it takes to be a co-defensive coordinator:
You've got to be a team player and a good listener. You've got to be
assertive but at the same time be ready to listen and willing to work with
the other coaches. That's what I see in Marvin and John Gutekunst. I think
they are both great team players. They both want what's best for all of us.
There is very little ego involved. You've got to have for the most part
egoless coaches involved and I think both of them have those qualities."
