Mack Brown explains why North Carolina is ready to turn the corner in 2022

Mack Brown didn’t love how the 2021 North Carolina turned out. The Tar Heel head coach believed the team slipped in some areas, resulting in an underwhelming campaign overall. But behind some new coaching hires and more focus to detail, Brown believes UNC is poised for improvement in 2022.

Starting with the defense, where they allowed more than 32 points a game to their opponents last season. Brown re-tooled the defensive coaching staff, bringing in Gene Chizik and Charlton Warren as co-defensive coordinators this offseason. Changes he expects to have immediate and considerable impact on that side of the ball. He spoke at length about the arrival of the two coaches on the Always College Football Podcast.

“We have a few coaches that come in with Gene Chizik and Charlton Warren, who were here in 2015 and ’16 and did an amazing job,” Brown said, before going in depth on Chizik.

“Gene was obviously the defensive coordinator for us at Texas when we won the national championship. Then he wins a national championship as a head coach at Auburn. So he walks into the room with confidence. He’s been there, done that. So the kids know who he is and what he is. His time on TV helped because it kept his face in front of a lot of people. So for recruiting, he’s a huge asset.”

Then he addressed the addition of Charlton Warren.

“Charlton Warren is an Air Force graduate from Atlanta. 10-year special forces hero for the Air Force. Then coached at Georgia and Tennessee and Florida, and defensive coordinator at Indiana. He brings a wealth of experience to us.

“So I just see us being better on defense. We’ve recruited really well. We’re going to look better. And now these young guys need to step up and play. I told them we look good getting off the bus — [but] we need to look good after the game. That’s where we’re headed.”

Mack Brown also pointed to Jack Bicknell on the offensive side who will make a difference this season. North Carolina nabbed him from conference rival Louisville to coach the offensive line.

“We’re lucky to bring in Jack Bicknell. Jack’s been a head coach. He knows this system, he loves this system. So we’re really really lucky. And Jack’s had seven years of NFL experience. Won a Super Bowl. So he can give these guys something that a lot of guys can’t.”

Lastly, Brown expressed excitement for the group of coaches as a whole.

“I like our staff right now. I like the continuity. Our players understand that we put our thumb on them. Our bench is our best friend. And we had a lot of great competition this spring. I can’t wait until fall.”