UNC announced Friday that it has hired Larry Porter as its new running backs coach, with Porter returning to the school after previously holding the same job from 2014-16.

Porter replaces Robert Gillespie, who left to be the running backs coach at Alabama after a season in which UNC’s Javonte Williams and Michael Carter were each named All-Americans.

In 2013, Porter was also the running backs coach at Texas under current UNC head coach Mack Brown–meaning he’ll arrive in Chapel Hill this time around familiar with both Brown and the school.

“We’re so excited to reunite with Larry, his wife Sharmane, and their children, Brandon, Omari and Olivia,” Brown said. “Larry checks a number of boxes that make him a perfect fit for this role. He has history at Carolina so he understands the place. He’ll be able to hit the ground running in recruiting because of his familiarity, and he brings a wealth of on-field coaching experience that will be valuable to the program.

“We have a talented group of running backs on our roster and we expect Larry will bring out the best in them,” he added. “We’re looking forward to having Larry and his family return to Chapel Hill.”

He returns to UNC after spending the previous four seasons at Auburn coaching tight ends and H-backs, as well as serving as the special teams coordinator.

Porter is also known as a top recruiter, having played a key role in bringing players like Michael Carter and Dazz Newsome into the fold at UNC. He was named National Recruiter of the Year by Rivals.com in both 2007 and 2009.

The Tar Heels set numerous school records on offense during Porter’s first stint on the staff, and finished 18th nationally in rushing during the 2015 season with 224.4 yards per game–a number that was the school’s highest since 1994.

He is also a three-time nominee for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top assistant coach.

“My family and I are thrilled to be heading back to North Carolina,” Porter said. “We want to thank Coach Brown, the administration, and the staff for giving us the opportunity to return to what we know is a special place.

We had some success when I was in Chapel Hill last time, and you can see that the program is trending in the right direction,” he added. “I’m excited to help continue that momentum and hope to be an asset moving forward. We can’t wait to get there and get going.”

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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