John Bunting

John Bunting was born in Portland, Maine, in 1950 and grew up outside of Washington, D.C. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football, where he achieved All-County and All-Met DC honors in his senior year. In 1968, he received a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recruited by Coach Bill Dooley. Bunting was a three-year starter as a linebacker for the Tar Heels and was recognized as the Defensive Captain. He played on Peach Bowl/Gator Bowl teams in 1970-1971, earning All-Conference/Defensive MVP honors in 1971 and participating in the Senior Bowl All-Star game in 1972.

Bunting’s professional playing career began in 1972 when he was drafted in the 10th round by the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent 11 years with the Eagles, playing in Super Bowl XV and being named Defensive MVP in 1979. He also served as the NFLPA Player Representative for six years. Following his time in the NFL, Bunting joined the USFL Philadelphia Stars, winning the USFL Championship in 1984 before transitioning to coaching. He coached for Jim Mora, winning the USFL Championship again in 1985. His coaching journey continued at Brown University and Glassboro State College, where he eventually became head coach, leading Glassboro State to two Conference Championships and the NCAA tournament semi-finals in 1992.

His career then moved to the NFL as an assistant coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1993 to 1996 and the St. Louis Rams from 1997 to 1999, where he was co-coordinator and linebacker coach for the Super Bowl XXXIV championship team. In 2000, he joined the New Orleans Saints as linebacker coach before returning to his alma mater, UNC, as head coach from 2000 to 2006. At UNC, he achieved significant victories, being the only coach to beat a top-5 ranked team in 2001 (FSU) and 2004 (Miami). After coaching, Bunting became an analyst for ISP Radio, ESPN, and IMG, and a mentor at IMG Academy, working with players like Luke Kuechly and Manti Teo. He continues his involvement in sports and community in Hampstead, NC, serving on the Board of the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame and the Miracle League National Organization.