Thorp discusses AD hire Posted Oct 18, 2011 Chancellor Holden Thorp has caught a great deal of criticism regarding his decision to fire Butch Davis barely a week before the start of the season, but he's optimistic that the hiring of Bubba Cunningham as UNC's new Athletic Director---combined with the University's upcoming hearing before the NCAA and its subsequent ruling---will help bring some closure to the whole thing. (Tar Heel Illustrated)