Tar Heels Hire Torbush

North Carolina stayed within the program, hiring defensive coordinator Carl Torbush as its new coach to replace Mack Brown.

Brown accepted the job at Texas last week.

Torbush, 46, will take over immediately, coaching the team in the Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech on Jan. 1. The No. 7 Tar Heels officially accepted the bid Monday after being bypassed by the alliance.

The terms of Torbush’s contract were not released. Athletic Director Dick Baddour said the contract needs approval from school trustees.

The decision came after a group of six players, including All-American defensive end Greg Ellis, went to Baddour on Torbush’s behalf.

Baddour said he didn’t require much convincing because Torbush was always a top candidate.