North Carolina, top defensive coach Gene Chizik part ways

Mack Brown and North Carolina are on the hunt for a defensive coordinator again.

Brown said he and assistant head coach/defense Gene Chizik agreed to part ways following postseason meetings. Chizik ran the Tar Heels' defense for the past two seasons.

"Gene Chizik is one of the best football coaches I've shared the sideline with during my 46 years of coaching," Brown said in a school-issued release. "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."

North Carolina was 75th in points allowed in the FBS in 2023 at 27.3 points per game.

Brown will conduct interviews to find Chizik's replacement, one of a number of changes on that side of the ball for 2024.

Co-defensive coordinator Charlton Warren was elevated to assistant head coach for defense and will also coach defensive backs. Defensive analyst Ted Monachino is taking over for Tim Cross as defensive line coach.

"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."

Chizik, 62, previously served as Larry Fedora's defensive coordinator at North Carolina from 2015-16.

He was back in the role in 2022 and 2023 after Brown parted with Jay Bateman, his defensive coordinator from 2019-21. Bateman recently was named defensive coordinator at Texas A&M under new Aggies coach Mike Elko.