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

Video: Asst. Coach Ty Nichols, UNC Football Players Monday Pre-Clemson Press Conferences
North Carolina outside linebackers coach Ty Nichols, wide receiver Jordan Shipp, defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson, and offensive lineman Andrew Threatt speak with the media on...
Mon Sep 14, 2026

Inside The Trenches: Jaylen Harvey's Pressure, Xavier Lewis Again, Jelani Thurman's Blocking
UNC's offensive line created movement in the run game against ETSU, while Jaylen Harvey and Xavier Lewis disrupted things on defense. There were also some...
Mon Sep 14, 2026

Video: Bill Belichick Monday Pre-Clemson Press Conference
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick speaks with the media on Monday to discuss the Tar Heels' win over ETSU and preview UNC's trip...
Mon Sep 14, 2026

UNC Football Encouraged by Groundwork Laid vs. ETSU: 'A Blue-Collar Operation'
Nobody should take any delusions of grandeur from UNC's 35-3 win against FCS East Tennessee State. Last year’s Tar Heels beat FCS Richmond by an...
Mon Sep 14, 2026