FIU Football: Butch Davis Coming into Focus as Next Head Coach

It was the day before Christmas and FIU Football was on the verge of receiving a program-lifting gift in the form of former University of Miami and University of North Carolina head coach, Butch Davis. 

Patrick Nohe of the Miami Herald tweeted, "I can confirm that the next head coach of FIU will be Butch Davis."  Nohe's concern was Florida State's offensive coordinator James Coley, who was also rumored to be a candidate for the FIU vacancy.  Davis' hire would mean Coley would stay put.  After all, Nohe covers the Seminoles.

Regardless, it was the tweet heard around South Florida as FIU fans everywhere rejoiced. 

It all started and ended with Davis.  Any other hire would make the firing of former FIU head coach Mario Cristobal appear foolish.  Well, the move by FIU's athletic director, Pete Garcia, is still foolish, but Davis will make it all better.

Garcia denied the rumors on Christmas eve. 

The Panther community was slightly deflated because that was not the announcement they were anxiously awaiting.  They were not completely disheartened because there was smoke, lots of smoke. 

Davis was the front-runner for the position as soon as Cristobal was dismissed.  Garcia and Davis worked together at UM and for the Cleveland Browns.

On Thursday, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reported that FIU and Butch Davis were in negotiations, but UNC is getting in the way. 

Apparently, North Carolina still owes Davis three more annual payments of $590,000 (almost $1.8 million) and UNC officials are arguing that Davis is not entitled to that money if he is hired somewhere else.  Marvez' source claims FIU is set to ink Davis to a multi-year deal worth approximately $500,000 a season.

FIU fans, prepare yourself for a coach that will put you on the map one phenomenal recruiting class at a time.