North Carolina has parted ways with defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.

The program announced that decision on Wednesday morning. Chizik spent 2 seasons with the Tar Heels, but Mack Brown decided to make a change at defensive coordinator after another collapse to close out the 2023 season.

“Gene Chizik is one of the best football coaches I’ve shared the sideline with during my 46 years of coaching,” Brown said in a statement. “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.”

This ends Chizik’s second stint as the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator. He also served in that role from 2015-16. In a statement, Chizik said he was grateful for his time in Chapel Hill.

“Being a part of 36 wins and two ACC Coastal Championships during my four years at UNC has truly been a blessing,” Chizik said in a release. “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.”

The Tar Heels lost five of their final seven games to close out the 2023 season, including a blowout loss to West Virginia in their bowl game. UNC’s defense allowed 5.62 yards per play this season, which ranked 10th amongst ACC teams.

Carolina says it will conduct a national search for the program’s next defensive coordinator.