Butch Davis
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| Butch Davis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Butch Davis |
| Position | Defensive end |
| Birth date | 17 November 1951 |
| Birth place | Tahlequah, Oklahoma |
| Weight lb | 240 |
| College | University of Arkansas |
| Draftyear | 1975 |
| Draftpick | 230 |
| Pastteams | * Dallas Cowboys (1975) |
Butch Davis is an American football coach and former player best known for his tenure as a head coach in the National Football League and college football. He achieved prominence as the head coach of the University of Miami football program, where he rebuilt the team into a national powerhouse, and later led the Cleveland Browns. Davis has also held significant coaching positions with the Dallas Cowboys, University of North Carolina, and Florida International University.
Early life and education
Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Davis was a multi-sport athlete at Bixby High School in Bixby, Oklahoma. He accepted a football scholarship to play for the University of Arkansas, where he was a teammate of future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Dan Hampton. Under head coach Frank Broyles, Davis played as a defensive end for the Razorbacks and was part of teams that competed in major bowl games like the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Playing career
Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the ninth round of the 1975 NFL Draft, Davis's professional playing career was brief. He suffered a knee injury during his rookie season, which ultimately ended his time as a player. This early conclusion to his on-field career prompted a swift transition into coaching, beginning a long and influential journey in football instruction and team management.
Coaching career
Davis began his coaching career at the high school level before returning to the University of Arkansas as a graduate assistant. His big break came when he joined Jimmy Johnson's staff at Oklahoma State University, a partnership that continued with the University of Miami Hurricanes. As the Hurricanes' defensive line coach, he contributed to the program's 1987 national championship victory in the Orange Bowl.
Following Johnson to the Dallas Cowboys, Davis served as the defensive line coach and later defensive coordinator under Barry Switzer, helping the franchise win Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXX. He returned to the college ranks in 1995 as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, inheriting a program facing severe NCAA sanctions. Davis orchestrated a remarkable rebuilding project, culminating in an 11-1 season in 2000 and a victory in the Sugar Bowl.
In 2001, Davis moved to the NFL as head coach and de facto general manager of the Cleveland Browns. He led the team to its only playoff appearance since its rebirth in a 2002 wild card game. He resigned during the 2004 season. Davis returned to college football as head coach at the University of North Carolina from 2007 to 2010, and later led the program at Florida International University from 2017 to 2021.
Head coaching record
Davis's head coaching record includes his tenures at the University of Miami, Cleveland Browns, University of North Carolina, and Florida International University. His overall college record reflects successful rebuilding efforts, particularly at Miami, where he compiled a 51-20 record. His NFL record with the Browns was 24-35, highlighted by the 2002 playoff berth.
Personal life
Davis is married and has one son. He has been involved in various charitable endeavors throughout his career. Since concluding his coaching tenure at Florida International University, he has worked as a football analyst and commentator.