Back to the North Carolina Tar Heels Newsfeed

Gene Chizik cedes UNC football defensive coordinator job to John Papuchis

The North Carolina football team already lost its star quarterback and running back to the NFL Draft and its three best wide receivers to graduation.

On Thursday, UNC was dealt a defensive blow.

Gene Chizik announced he is stepping down as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator to spend more time with family.

“At every step in my coaching career, I have emphasized to my players and coaches that family must come first; that family comes before football,” Chizik said in a statement. “Simply put, it is time for me to walk the walk.”

Linebackers coach John Papuchis will take over as UNC’s defensive coordinator.