Amid speculation that Tennessee has interest in speaking to North Carolina coach Larry Fedora about its head football coaching vacancy, Tar Heels athletics director Bubba Cunningham released a statement Wednesday addressing the rumors.

“This time each year there are a number of coaching vacancies in college football and (Tuesday) several rumors included speculation about our own football coach Larry Fedora,” Cunningham said. “Neither Coach Fedora nor I are going to address rumors about individual jobs that are bound to happen each year. It has been my policy since I have been a director of athletics not to comment or engage in discussions regarding a coach’s job until such time that there is a change in a coach’s employment status. Speculation about the future employment status of a head coach can be detrimental to an athletics program.”

Fedora’s name came up regarding the Tennessee job despite the fact that he recently completed his first season in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels finished 8-4 overall and are not eligible for a bowl because of NCAA sanctions involving improper athlete benefits.

Jordan Fieulleteau, a wide receiver from Raleigh
Wakefield High who has verbally committed to North Carolina, told Triangle media outlets that he spoke with Fedora by phone after hearing the speculation, and the coach said he was staying in Chapel Hill.

“I frequently communicate with our head coaches about what they need to be successful at North Carolina,” Cunningham said.

“Whether a coach is highly successful or under inordinate pressure it has been my policy to keep those conversations confidential and I will continue my policy to not engage in any public discussion or speculation regarding employment. We work together to provide the best opportunities for our coaches and student-athletes.”