Chizik, who spent two seasons in Chapel Hill, cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for stepping down.
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“Personally, it has been extremely difficult for my family and me,” Chizik said in a statement. “We have been apart for the past two years for the first time in my 30-year coaching career. I have been a long-distance husband to my devoted wife, Jonna. I missed my twin daughters’ entire senior year of high school, along with sending them off to college. My son, Cally, is a high school football and baseball player.
“As every parent can imagine, being a long-distance dad to my children has been extremely difficult on everyone.”
Chizik took over as the Tar Heels’ DC in 2015. He helped the unit improve from 118th nationally in yards allowed in 2014 (497 yards per game) to 71st in 2016 (419 yards per game).
Before his UNC stint, Chizik took a two-year hiatus from college football after being fired as Auburn’s head coach. Chizik coached the Tigers for four seasons (2009 through 2012), leading them to a national championship in 2010. He was helped greatly that year by the performance of Heisman-winning quarterback Cam Newton.
Prior to Auburn, Chizik coached Iowa State to a 5-19 record over two seasons (2007 and 2008).
