Baker and Bunting got their wishes, as the 64-year-old Tranquill put aside any speculation that he might retire, by signing on for another year with the Tar Heels.
“We found out yesterday,” Bunting said. “I’m extremely excited about that. This guy is a genius.
“I know Matt Baker is thrilled he’ll be back. He got that excitement communicated and I know the quarterbacks coming in here are excited about him coming back.”
However, Bunting said he was surprised to hear of a published report listing assistant head coach and special teams coordinator James Webster as an “applicant” for the head coaching vacancy at Tennessee State.
“That’s news to me,” Bunting said. “I expect all of my assistants to be back next season.”
Bunting clarified afterward through a UNC spokesperson that he didn’t mean he was not aware that Webster has and does apply for other coaching positions.