AP source: Chizik to coach Tar Heels' defense

Published Jan. 2, 2015 3:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) A person familiar with the situation says former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has accepted an offer to coach North Carolina's struggling defense.

The person said Friday that Chizik will receive a 3-year contract. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the school won't make an official announcement until the deal is finalized and approved by its board of trustees.

Chizik will replace Vic Koenning, who was associate head coach for defense over the past three seasons. Head coach Larry Fedora said last month, after the Tar Heels had one of the worst defensive years in school history, that he and Koenning had reached a ''mutual decision'' that Koenning would pursue other college jobs.