David Thornton joins UNC's football staff

Posted Aug 15, 2011
Former All-ACC selection David Thornton, who recently retired from the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, has officially returned to the UNC football team as a member of the player development staff. According to a team spokesman, that means he can splice and analyze UNC or opponent video, attend meetings and work with athletes in football-specific strength and conditioning drills – but he cannot coach or provide instruction to the athletes. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

Where Bill Belichick lands in On3 Sports' ACC football head coach rankings
With 333 wins, 17 AFC East Titles and six Super Bowls as an NFL head coach, Bill Belichick is undoubtedly the greatest pro football coach...
Sun Jun 28, 2026

UNC Football Opponent Snapshot: Virginia
UNC Football travels to Virginia on Nov. 21. The Cavaliers are coming off a breakout season in coach Tony Elliott's fourth season at the helm,...
Sun Jun 28, 2026

New England Patriots QB Drake Maye Honored With Pair of ESPY Nominations
Despite being several months removed from his debut in the Super Bowl, Drake Maye's sparkling 2025 NFL season continues to be recognized. The New England...
Sat Jun 27, 2026

Seth Trimble’s shot to beat Duke, walk-off Supers win highlight UNC takeover day on ACCN
A full day of memorable North Carolina victories, from postseason thrills and rivalry showdowns to a memorable Seth Trimble shot, will take over ACC Network...
Sat Jun 27, 2026