The UNC football team received a major shake-up within its coaching staff over the weekend, as defensive line coach Tray Scott agreed to leave and take the same job at Ole Miss–where he was a graduate assistant back in 2012.
In his first season with the Tar Heels in 2015, Scott was part of a staff that helped put together the most improved defensive unit in the country under new defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.
Those numbers took a bit of a step back this season, with UNC finishing 46th in the country in points allowed (24.9 per game) and 113th in rushing defense (235.5 yards per game).
Although the Tar Heels stumbled to three losses in their final four games on the way to an 8-5 finish, the defense had finally began making strides. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome some of the backbreaking turnovers made by the offense–plays that consistently put the defense in tough situations.
Scott’s departure is just the second major staff change head coach Larry Fedora has had to deal with over the last two offseasons.
After bringing in a whole new set of defensive coaches prior to 2015, UNC only needed to replace former offensive coordinator Seth Littrell coming into this year.
Chris Kapilovic–who still serves as the offensive line coach–received a promotion to Littrell’s old job, while Chad Scott was brought in to coach the tight ends.
As this year’s coaching carousel begins, Fedora will likely sit down with Chizik to go over potential candidates for the defensive line job.
No matter who steps in, the new coach will face somewhat of a rebuilding job up front–with junior Naz Jones leaving for the NFL and senior defensive end Mikey Bart graduating.
Younger players like Malik Carney, Jeremiah Clarke and Aaron Crawford will be expected to take on much larger roles under the new regime.
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