Gene Chizik will not return as North Carolina's defensive coordinator, head coach Mack Brown announced Wednesday.
The 2023 campaign was the second season of Chizik's second stint at North Carolina. He also coordinated the Tar Heels' defense for Larry Fedora's staff from 2015-16.
"Gene Chizik is one of the best football coaches I've shared the sideline with during my 46 years of coaching," Brown said. "He's a man of faith who worked tirelessly to provide the best coaching and mentorship he could to the young men he coached. We met extensively following the season, and despite the improvements from last season to this season, we mutually agreed that parting ways would be in the best interest of both he and the program. I want to thank Gene and his family for all they've done for our program and wish them nothing but the best."
"Being a part of 36 wins and two ACC Coastal Championships during my four years at UNC has truly been a blessing," Chizik stated. "Mack Brown and I will continue to be the closest of friends and I want to wish all of the coaches, players and administration the best moving forward. I love these young men at UNC and will always be grateful that our paths crossed."
Charlton Warren will remain on staff as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach, but a national search for a new coordinator is underway. The hire will be Brown's third defensive coordinator in his time at North Carolina; Jay Bateman was let go after running the defense from 2019-21.
Additionally, Tim Cross will not return after five seasons as defensive line coach. Analyst Ted Monachino will coach the D-line moving forward.
"As I evaluated the program, I felt that it was the right time to make a change at that position. I was very impressed with Coach Monachino's work ethic and acumen during his first year as an analyst. I believe his depth of experience at the NFL and collegiate levels will be a great asset to not only our defensive line room, but our defense as a whole. It's also an added bonus that our players are already familiar with him. I'm excited to see what he can do in this new role," Brown said.
North Carolina went 8-5 this season (4-4 ACC) and 17-10 over the past two seasons despite playing the best quarterback in school history in Drake Maye, a candidate to be the first quarterback taken in this spring's draft. The Heels finished 65th in yards per play allowed (5.62) and 75th in scoring (27.3 points per game) this season.
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