North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik steps down

Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik is leaving North Carolina.

UNC announced Thursday that Chizik, who has served as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator for the past two seasons is stepping down to spend more time with his family.

“After a lot of prayer and discussions with my wife and children, I have made the difficult decision to step away from coaching to be with my family,” said Chizik. “The past two years at the University of North Carolina and the opportunity to work with Coach Fedora have been a blessing, and I’m extremely proud of the success we enjoyed. I have always told my players family should come before football, and it’s time for me to follow my own advice. I look forward to watching my own son play the game I’ve dedicated my life and career to for the next two years, and I look forward to the simple joys of being a father and husband I’ve missed out on.”

Added UNC head coach Larry Fedora: “These last two years with Gene have been exactly what I hoped they would be. The defensive improvement speaks for itself, but I’m equally as proud of the growth and development of our student-athletes on the defensive side of the ball. I hate to lose Gene but certainly understand the reasoning behind his decision, I know it’s been hard on him and his family. We wish the Chizik family all the best and appreciate their dedication to Tar Heel football.”

Linebackers coach John Papuchis will move up to defensive coordinator, Fedora said. Papuchis was previously the defensive coordinator at Nebraska.

“John is a natural fit to take over our defense given his role the last two years and his previous experience as a coordinator,” said Fedora. “He knows our players and staff and will seamlessly transition into an expanded role.”

According to multiple reports, North Texas defensive coordinator Mike Ekeler will join the defensive staff as well. Ekeler coached under Seth Littrell for the Mean Green in 2016. Litrell was hired by UNT after serving as North Carolina’s offensive coordinator in 2015.

Chizik came to North Carolina before the 2015 season after two years out of coaching following his dismissal at Auburn. Chizik worked for ESPN’s SEC Network in 2014 and could be returning to a TV analyst role now that he’s not coaching again.

UNC’s defense was ranked No. 63 in the country in 2016. The Tar Heels gave up 408 yards a game and 5.37 yards per play.

Chizik was the coach at Auburn from 2009-2012 and won the BCS Championship at the conclusion of the 2010 season over Oregon. He received a buyout of over $7 million after the 2012 season when Auburn went 3-9 and hired Gus Malzahn to replace him.

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