Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik is stepping down from his position at North Carolina, he said in a statement on Thursday.
Linebackers coach John Papuchis will take Chizik's place as defensive coordinator.
Chizik said in the statement that he made the decision to spend more time with his 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 wrote. "Simply put, it is time for me to walk the walk."
UNC was the nation's most improved in passing defense in efficiency and yards per attempt when Chizik started coaching in 2015.