(CHAPEL HILL) -- The decision to fire UNC football coach Butch Davis took many people by surprise, particularly the timing. Earlier this week, Davis had given a series of media interviews at ACC Kickoffs in Pinehurst, the unofficial start of football season.

Dave Glenn of the ACC-Area Sports Journal says the fact that Davis granted the interviews proves the firing was truly a shock to him. "I'm not sure that's happened in almost 60 years of ACC football. So I do believe him when he says he was surprised that the timing of this. I just think he, like most of us, thought the next decision would be coming in November or December," he said.

Davis compiled a 28-23 record in four seasons in Chapel Hill. UNC will pocket $2.7 million after the firing.