Has Mack Brown set up the future of Carolina football?
When Brown was tabbed to return as the Tar Heels’ head coach before the 2019 season, alumni and fan bases were ecstatic, as the program had fallen from euphoria in 2015 to disappointment in ‘16 to anger in ‘17 and apathy in 2018 before Larry Fedora was fired.
The most exuberant followers also had a question. Did UNC and Bubba Cunningham have a succession plan since Brown was 67 and had signed a 5-year contract? How long would Mack stay and then what’s next?
When rumored, and then confirmed, that Gene Chizik would be returning as Carolina’s new defensive coordinator, social media began buzzing over the hire and whether Brown had also picked his successor.
Chizik had been here before, taking Fedora’s defense from dismal to respectable over two seasons. In 2014, the last time the Tar Heels finished 6-7 after losing a bowl game, their defense had allowed just under 500 yards a game for a minus-68 from total offense.
Chizik had been pushed out at Auburn after leading the Tigers and Cam Newton to 2010 BCS national championship. “I’ve got to get Larry some help on defense,” Cunningham said before hiring Chizik.
A known defensive specialist, Chizik provided the help needed. In 2015, UNC dropped to allowing 436 yards per game, which together with rolling up 486 on offense combined to win the ACC Coastal Division and finish 11-3 after which Fedora was granted a rich contract extension and lofty buyout that UNC is just about done paying off.
Gene Chizik speaks at a press conference during his first stint with the UNC football program. Carolina held a re-introductory press conference Thursday for Chizik, who teams up once again with Mack Brown. (Photo via Ross Martin / 247Sports.)
Chizik had worked for Brown at Texas and helped the Longhorns win the 2005 BCS title. They both left football and wound up with ESPN. Chizik said he had to take care of some family business, and Brown had worn out his welcome after 16 Hall of Fame seasons in Austin.
Now, they’re back together. Chizik takes over for the deposed Jay Bateman, whose defense had gone from allowing 373 yards per game to 418 over three seasons, all riddled with too many mistakes.
At his introductory presser Thursday, Chizik was asked about the elephant in the room by CL Brown of the News & Observer. Had there been any discussion with his boss about the so-called head coach in waiting.
“Zero discussion about that,” Chizik, 60, said. “I have one mindset, coming back to Carolina and putting a great defense on the field.”
Photo via ACC Media.
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