University of North Carolina Athletics
Droschak: Bunting Feels The Buzz
April 12, 2006 | Football
April 12, 2006
by Dave Droschak, TarHeelBlue.com
Count me as one who subscribes to the theory that Mack Brown's career at North Carolina didn't begin to take off until he make some significant changes to his coaching staff halfway through his 10-year tenure in Chapel Hill.
Could John Bunting be on the same path?
Bunting was challenged to piece together a cohesive staff when he re-entered the college arena in 2001 after spending close to a decade in the NFL. It was no secret many of Bunting's coaching contacts were in pro ball, not college.
However, the former UNC linebacker soon found out coaching chemistry was as important as raw talent on the field. Bunting admitted as much Saturday after North Carolina's annual spring football game.
"It took me five years to get it right," Bunting said when asked about his new staff additions.
Five of Bunting's 10 assistant coaches are in their first or second year at UNC, while two more have been with him just three seasons. New this season are offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, offensive line coach Mark Weber and defensive ends coach Danny Pearman.
Bunting said Saturday the new additions to the coaching staff have created "a buzz" around the football program that has been missing.
"There is tremendous camaraderie and respect and a work ethic with the new staff," Bunting said. "The energy inside that staff room transfers into the meeting rooms and out to the field with the players. These young guys have a lot of energy and are totally focused."
Cignetti and Weber came here from Fresno State, where the two helped lead the Bulldogs to consecutive top 10 rankings in total offense. Cignetti replaced Gary Tranquill, who coached for 44 seasons before retiring and remains Bunting's close friend.
But Cignetti has promised to introduce a vertical passing game to North Carolina's offensive attack. And while that didn't show up much in the 2006 Spring Game because of a light drizzle, Cignetti has a proven track record and is one of the game's up-and-coming coaches.
"Mark and Frank are guys from California who may seem a little laid back at times but they are get-after-it coaches," Bunting said. "They are coaching every single second. They have done a terrific job with our offense and the rest of our offensive staff."
Bunting noted that the new staff additions have re-energized veteran coaches such as John Gutekunst and Andre'Powell.
"It is really neat to be around this staff," Bunting said.
Bunting has also named Dave Brock his recruiting director and Pearman comes from Virginia Tech. And we all know what kind of program the Hokies have put on the field the last decade under Frank Beamer.
"Anybody who has been listening believes that our recruiting is going to take off," Bunting said. "There is a lot of buzz going on around here. And the kids just love playing for Pearman.
"When you get guys like this, who are really committed and add a little energy because of the youth, it is really helpful to us right now," said Bunting, whose team is coming off a 5-6 season.
The players have noticed a different attitude among the coaching staff and how it has translated to the practice field.
"I see a rebirth coming to Carolina," said Jesse Holley, the team's unofficial mouth piece who was in mid-season form in early April. "We've got a bunch of new coaches who have a bunch of energy and it is feeding off to the players.
"They are bringing a winning attitude from the fourth floor, and it is trickling down to the third floor, and the second floor and to the player's lounge, and down to the locker room. Everybody wants to win. Nobody around here is saying `whatever' any more. When you have that on a consistent basis it becomes habit every day."
Cignetti's main decision will be selecting a starting quarterback between former Nebraska starter and transfer Joe Dailey and redshirt freshman Cam Sexton. Neither QB stood out Saturday, but Dailey has the inside track because of his previous playing experience, although Sexton is a more pure passer.
Bunting said the competition should go down the final week or two of preseason camp in August.
"They are both good runners and both are big-time competitors," Bunting said when asked to compare each quarterback. "Cameron is more of a natural thrower and Joe can throw more on the run."
"Both of these guys can play," added Holley. "We're pretty confident in both of them."
Holley is also confident in the direction the new coaching staff will be taking the UNC program.
"I have told coach Cignetti I'm happy to be able to be here to jump-start this new re-birth of Carolina," Holley said. "The sad part about it is I'm gone after this year. I'll miss when this thing is completely in full swing, when I mean everybody is pumping on all cylinders. That is what it's going to be like in two or three years. When that gets going it's going to be big."
