Gene Chizik won’t return in 2024 as defensive coordinator at North Carolina, it was announced Wednesday.

The 62-year-old Chizik recently completed the second season of his second stint with the Tar Heels, who lost 30-10 to West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec. 27 to finish 8-5. North Carolina was 95th in the country in total defense and 72nd in scoring defense.

“Gene Chizik is one of the best football coaches I’ve shared the sideline with during my 46 years of coaching,” North Carolina coach Mack Brown said. “He’s a man of faith who worked tirelessly to provide the best coaching and mentorship he could to the young men he coached.

“We met extensively following the season, and despite the improvements from last season to this season, we mutually agreed that parting ways would be in the best interest of both he and the program. I want to thank Gene and his family for all they’ve done for our program and wish them nothing but the best.”

Chizik, Auburn’s head coach from 2009-12, was also UNC’s defensive coordinator in 2015-16 before stepping away to spend time with his family. He did television work for ESPN before returning to the field in 2022.

Chizik was also defensive coordinator at Auburn from 2002-04, then at Texas in 2005-06 (where he also worked for Brown). He was part of an undefeated Sugar Bowl champion with the Tigers in 2004 and a national championship with the Longhorns in 2005. ‘

“Being a part of 36 wins and two ACC Coastal Championships during my four years at UNC has truly been a blessing,” Chizik stated. “Mack Brown and I will continue to be the closest of friends and I want to wish all of the coaches, players and administration the best moving forward. I love these young men at UNC and will always be grateful that our paths crossed.”

After a four-year stint at Iowa State, Chizik was hired to replace Tommy Tuberville as Tigers head coach in 2009. His Tigers went 14-0 and won the BCS national championship in 2010.