Another staff change for UNC.
North Carolina and defensive coordinator Gene Chizik have parted ways after just two seasons. He returned in 2022 after taking a break. Chizik had been with UNC in 2015-2016. Before that, he coached Auburn, even winning a national championship.
Big Change
In 2015, Chizik came to UNC and helped put together a solid defense. The hope was that he could do the same when he returned. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The Tar Heels defense has been one of the worst in the country over the last two seasons. That can’t all be put on Chizik though, as it was not great before he came back.
Numbers With UNC
2015-2016
95th-ranked defense.
121st-ranked rushing defense. Gave up 247.4 rushing yards per game and 5.13 per attempt. Allowed 28 rushing touchdowns.
18th in passing yards allowed. Gave up only 188.6 passing yards per game and 6.07 per attempt. Allowed only 16 passing touchdowns.
2022-2023
115th-ranked defense.
85th-ranked rushing defense. Gave up 165.2 rushing yards per game and 4.51 per attempt. Allowed 29 rushing touchdowns.
115th in passing yards allowed. Gave up 271.3 passing yards per game and 11.98 per attempt. Allowed 27 passing touchdowns.
2023-2024
95th-ranked defense.
88th-ranked rushing defense. Gave up 163.2 rushing yards per game and 4.21 per attempt. 21 rushing touchdowns allowed.
95th in passing yards allowed. Gave up 241.2 passing yards per game. 11.70 yards per completion. 2o passing touchdowns allowed.
The run defense had never been good under Chizik. The secondary and coverage was very good in 2015-2016 but obviously took a bad turn somewhere.
Who will be the next defensive coordinator for UNC?
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