CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- North Carolina football coach Carl Torbush, who
almost lost his job last year, was fired Monday after a 6-5 season.
"This decision was not based on a single game, or on a single season, but
on an evaluation of a three-year period," UNC athletic director Dick Baddour
said. "And the potential for the future.
"The current state of the program seems to rest on a game-by-game,
year-by-year, season-by-season situation. That is not an atmosphere for success
or for potential of success. I believe we faced a crossroads in regards to this
football program."
Baddour said he asked Torbush, 17-18 at North Carolina, to resign. He
refused, and was informed late Sunday night he would be fired.
Many of the players were upset about the move, including junior quarterback
Ronald Curry, the nation's No. 1 recruit several years ago.
"It's heartbreaking just knowing coach Torbush as a man," the two-sport
star said following basketball practice. "He teaches more than just football
to the players and I think that's what you need from a head coach."
The Tar Heels had a four-game losing streak this season, but the team came
back to win its last three games, including a 59-21 victory over Duke on
Saturday. The other victories came against Pittsburgh and Maryland.
"The university has made a decision to change the leadership of this
football program," Torbush said in a statement. "The decision for a change
was in no way mine. And while I respect their right to make a change, I deeply
hurt for the players, staff, families and friends of this program who have
devoted their hearts and souls to building a team of winners in every aspect of
life."
North Carolina began the season 3-1, then lost consecutive games to Atlantic
Coast Conference rivals Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Clemson and
Virginia.
The Tar Heels also lost to national title contender Florida State.
Torbush had two years remaining on his five-year contract. The team was 3-8
last year, when he was almost fired. He was retained after an outcry from
players, students and fans.
He joined the North Carolina staff in 1988 as defensive coordinator and
linebackers coach.
"I feel sure there will be some discussion to see where everything is,"
Torbush said Saturday of his job security. "We'll see where everything fits,
but I feel good about where we are as a football program and a football team
right now."
At archrival North Carolina State, coach Chuck Amato said college sports
fans demand results.
"I guess people want a fix and they want it now," said Amato, who replaced
Mike O'Cain this season. O'Cain was fired by N.C. State and then hired by North
Carolina as offensive coordinator.
The last ACC football coach to finish with a winning record and then be
fired was Duke's Red Wilson in 1982. Wilson finished 6-5 after beating North
Carolina and was fired hours later.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2000, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved