In the latest news surrounding the UNC football coaching staff, Inside Carolina’s Greg Barnes reported Thursday that new head coach Mack Brown will retain safeties coach Tommy Thigpen and promote him to co-defensive coordinator.

Thigpen will work alongside the newly hired Greg Robinson in the role.

Prior to joining UNC this past January, Thigpen was the linebackers coach at Tennessee for five years. In 21 years as an assistant coach, this will be his first time serving as a coordinator.

Other coaching jobs include a previous stint at UNC from 2005-2008 and four years at Auburn under head coach Gene Chizik–a stint that included the 2010 national championship.

Thigpen was a three-time All-ACC linebacker for the Tar Heels before graduating in 1992, with Brown serving as his head coach.

Back in 2013, Thigpen was named the national recruiter of the year and was listed by Rivals in 2017 as one of the top 25 recruiters in college football.

 

 

Photo via Tennessee Athletics

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