UNC defensive coordinator, line coach are out as part of Tar Heel staff shakeup
Posted January 3, 2024 10:48 a.m. EST
Updated January 3, 2024 11:21 a.m. EST
North Carolina is making changes to its defensive coaching staff after a disappointing end to its 2023 season.
Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik and defensive line coach Tim Cross will not return in 2024, head coach Mack Brown announced Wednesday.
Chizik, 62, was at UNC for two seasons in his most recent stint. He previously served as the team's defensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016.
The Tar Heels ranked 95th in the NCAA in total defense and 72nd in scoring defense in 2023. UNC started the season 6-1 and reached No. 10 in the polls before stumbling to a 8-5 final record. UNC allowed at least 30 points to its last seven FBS opponents in 2023.
Chizik's two-year contract was set to expire on Feb. 29. He was paid $1 million per year.
"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’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.”
Chizik, who led Auburn to a national title in 2010, previously worked with Brown at Texas.
"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.”
Defensive backs coach Charlton Warren will return and be the assistant head coach for defense.
But UNC will hire a defensive coordinator, the third in Brown's second stint in Chapel Hill. Jay Bateman coordinated the defense from 2019 to 2021, then Chizik replaced him.
Cross had been UNC's defensive line coach for the last five seasons. His three-year contract was set to expire Feb. 29. His salary was $360,000 per year.
Ted Monachino, who served as the team's senior defensive analyst, will take over as defensive line coach. Monachino has coached for 33 seasons, including 16 in the NFL. He was the Colts' defensive coordinator for two seasons. He also served as Arizona State's defensive coordinator from 2001 to 2005.
"As I evaluated the program, I felt that it was the right time to make a change at that position," Brown said in a statement. "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.”
