Report: Geoff Collins emerges as front-runner for UNC defensive coordinator opening

It appears as though North Carolina head coach Mack Brown is close to landing his new defensive coordinator.

Brown is “zeroing in on” former Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins, according to John Brice.

“NEWS: Mack Brown & North Carolina are zeroing in on their top target for defensive coordinator, & sources tell @FootballScoop it’s former Georgia Tech HC & veteran DC Geoff Collins,” Brice posted on Twitter.

Geoff Collins was the head coach at Georgia Tech from 2019-22. He was 10-28 in 3.5 seasons with the Yellow Jackets.

Collins made several other stops during his coaching career, including serving as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State and Florida.

North Carolina is looking for a replacement for former defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who was let go by Mack Brown after two seasons back with the Tar Heels.

UNC allowed 27 points and 404 yards per game this past season, ranking 10th in scoring defense and 12th in total defense in the ACC.

While Geoff Collins did not succeed as the head coach at Georgia Tech, he has been a successful defensive assistant coach throughout his career. He will look to continue that under Mack Brown at North Carolina.

UNC is coming off of an 8-5 (4-4) season. The Tar Heels got off to a 6-0 start, before going 2-5 the rest of the way.

More on North Carolina making defensive staff changes

Earlier this week, Mack Brown announced that he was making changes to his defensive staff.

Brown released a statement on Gene Chizik being let go.

“Gene Chizik is one of the best football coaches I’ve shared the sideline with during my 46 years of coaching,” 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 also released a statement upon the decision.

“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.”