BREAKING: Gene Chizik Possibly Out At Carolina

News broke this morning of some changes at the defensive coordinator position for the Heels.

The first story that broke was the hiring of North Texas defensive coordinator Mike Ekeler as the Co-DC. Ekeler spent one year at North Texas under Seth Littrell after successful tenures as an assistant at Georgia, USC, Nebraska and LSU. The numbers are not overly encouraging, with the Mean Green allowing 33.7 points per game (95th nationally), 457.2 total yards per game (95th nationally), 246.5 rushing yards per game (116th nationally) and 210.8 passing yards per game (37th nationally), but they were an improvement from the previous season. Ekeler adds a new defensive mind to the Heels coaching staff.

Mike Ekeler

Not long after this news broke, news of Gene Chizik’s possible departure. Chizik is rumored to be considering another break from coaching after just two seasons with the Heels. There had been rumors of a possible departure about a week ago, but those were pushed to the back burner by National Signing Day. Chizik’s struggles in the run defense have been evident, as the Heels have ranked 122nd and 94th over the last two seasons respectively. Chizik would more than likely go back into television, where he had a job before coming to Chapel Hill.

Rumor has it that this move was not entirely Chizik's decision. According to one source, the athletic department was beginning to get frustrated with Chizik coaching style, but more importantly, his lack of urgency on the recruiting trail. This is what leads me to believe that if in fact Chizik does go, the decision would be more mutual than anything.

John Papuchis

Chizik's departure means that there is a possibility that LB coach and former Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis could see an extended role. If Chizik leaves, that would be the third defensive staff member to leave Chapel Hill this offseason, and it's only early February.