Sources close to both athletic departments have confirmed a USA Today report that UNC’s Bubba Cunningham agreed to become the new athletics director at the University of Florida in August but changed his mind as the deal was to be announced in Gainesville, Florida.

Cunningham, who grew up in Naples, Florida, and still has family there, was offered a reported $1.4 million annual contract, according to the sources. His guaranteed annual income is about half that at UNC, which is reportedly preparing a contract extension and substantial pay increase. Cunningham, who has begun his sixth year as Carolina’s AD, received a raise in early 2016 to $642,268, with performance-based bonuses that could drive his total compensation close to $1 million.

USA Today reported that Jeremy Foley, the athletics director for last 25 years at Florida, staying on in an advisory capacity with an “emeritus” title might have played a part in Cunningham’s decision to remain at UNC.  Cunningham is also in the late stages of shepherding UNC through a two-plus year NCAA investigation, and – according to sources in Chapel Hill – he wants to see that process through.

While UNC has an $80 million athletics budget supporting 28 intercollegiate sports program, Florida has a $160 million budget for only 19 sports. The fact that Florida competes in the Southeastern Conference, which has (with the Big 10) the largest annual distribution of television rights per school contributes heavily to its budget.

Contacted in Illinois, where he was with the Tar Heel football team, Cunnkingham said, “I understand there is great interest in that position but, consistent with my philosophy and policy on any job searches involving coaches, I do not comment on employment issues regardless of whether it is at Carolina or any other school unless there is a change in employment status.

“I am fortunate to have one of the top athletic director’s jobs in the nation at one of the premier institutions in the world. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are excited about a new year getting started and I am happy to help them try and reach their dreams and goals.”

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