This article is written by Brian Murphy from WRAL.

The defensive coaching staff of North Carolina is being altered due to a disappointing conclusion to the 2023 season.

Mack Brown, the head coach, stated on Wednesday that Gene Chizik, the defensive coordinator, and Tim Cross, the defensive line coach, will not be coming back for the 2024 season.

Chizik, who is 62 years old, spent two seasons at UNC during his most recent time with the team. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator for the team from 2015 to 2016.

In 2023, the Tar Heels’ total defense and scoring defense rankings in the NCAA were 95th and 72nd, respectively. Despite starting the season with a record of 6-1 and reaching No. 10 in the polls, UNC ended with a final record of 8-5. Throughout the year, UNC struggled to keep its opponents under 30 points, allowing this many points to their last seven FBS opponents.

Chizik’s two-year agreement was scheduled to end on February 29th. He received an annual salary of $1 million.

“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 statement.

He was a faithful man who put in endless effort to offer excellent coaching and guidance to the young men he coached. We had many meetings after the season, and even though there were improvements from last season to this one, we both agreed that it would be best for him and the program to go our separate ways. I want to express my gratitude to Gene and his family for everything they have done for our program and I hope for nothing but the best for them.

Chizik, who guided Auburn to a national championship in 2010, previously collaborated with Brown at Texas.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of 36 victories and two ACC Coastal Championships during my four years at UNC,” said Chizik. “My friendship with Mack Brown will continue, and I wish all the coaches, players, and administration the best in the future. I hold a special place in my heart for these young men at UNC and will always be thankful for our time together.”

Charlton Warren, the coach for defensive backs, will be returning to his role as assistant head coach for the defense.

UNC is seeking a new defensive coordinator, which will mark the third one during Brown’s current time at the university. Jay Bateman served as the coordinator from 2019 to 2021, before being replaced by Chizik.

Cross had been serving as the defensive line coach for UNC for the past five years. His three-year agreement was scheduled to end on February 29th. He was making an annual salary of $360,000.

Ted Monachino, the former senior defensive analyst for the team, will now be the defensive line coach. Monachino has a total of 33 years of coaching experience, with 16 of those being in the NFL. He previously worked as the defensive coordinator for the Colts for two years and also held the position of defensive coordinator at Arizona State from 2001 to 2005.

Brown stated that, upon reviewing the program, he determined that it was the appropriate moment to make a shift in that particular position. He expressed admiration for Coach Monachino’s diligence and expertise in his first year as an analyst. Brown believes that Monachino’s extensive background in both professional and college football will greatly benefit not only the defensive line group, but the defense as a whole. Additionally, the fact that our players are already acquainted with him is an added advantage. Brown is eager to witness Monachino’s capabilities in this new role.

Source: wralsportsfan.com