Butch Davis
Retired Head Coach
Miami Connection
As Miami Hurricanes head coach, Davis transformed the program into a national powerhouse, recruiting and developing future NFL stars like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Clinton Portis, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, and Jeremy Shockey. He later brought his winning formula to FIU, establishing the program's first winning tradition and securing the program's biggest victory with a 30-24 defeat of the Miami Hurricanes at Marlins Park in 2019. His legacy in South Florida football spans three decades, with the Davis name becoming synonymous with football excellence in the region.
About
Paul Hilton 'Butch' Davis Jr. was born November 17, 1951, in Bixby, Oklahoma, and earned his bachelor's degree in biology and life science from the University of Arkansas in 1974. He became one of South Florida's most prominent football figures, serving as head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes from 1995 to 2000, where he compiled a 51-20 record with three Big East Conference championships. Davis later coached the NFL's Cleveland Browns and University of North Carolina before returning to South Florida as head coach of Florida International University from 2017 to 2021, leading the Panthers to three consecutive bowl appearances. Throughout his career, he recruited and coached more than 120 players who made it to the NFL, including 35 first-round draft picks. Davis is now retired after 50 years in football coaching.