AP Source: North Carolina Set To Hire Bubba Cunningham

Associated Press

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- A person familiar with the decision says North Carolina's trustees will meet Friday to approve the hiring of Tulsa athletic director Bubba Cunningham as the school's next A.D.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made.

North Carolina has scheduled an emergency meeting of its board of trustees for Friday morning to discuss "a personnel matter." The school also said it expects to hold a news conference afterward, though it didn't say why.

Cunningham also missed his monthly "Brunch With Bubba" media luncheon Thursday morning, which added credence to the reports connecting him with North Carolina.

If approved, Cunningham would replace Dick Baddour, who is stepping down after 14 years amid the ongoing NCAA investigation into the football program. Chancellor Holden Thorp has said Baddour would remain on at least until the school's appearance before the NCAA infractions committee on Oct. 28.