LATEST NEWS: Geoff Collins discusses the value of head coaching experience in his role as defensive coordinator.

Earlier this month, North Carolina, under the leadership of head coach Mack Brown, announced the hiring of Geoff Collins as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Collins, who took a one-year hiatus from coaching, brings a wealth of experience with five years as a defensive coordinator at the FBS level and five years as a head coach at Temple and Georgia Tech.

During his introductory press conference, Collins discussed how his previous role as a head coach, involving both offensive and defensive aspects, provides him with a valuable perspective as he transitions back to exclusively coaching the defense. He emphasized the importance of sitting in on offensive meetings and understanding how coaches on that side of the ball view the game. His unique perspective over the past year, spent studying trends and breaking down film from both college and NFL levels, has further enriched his knowledge.

Collins outlined four key traits that, in his view, are crucial for a successful defense in today’s game. These include being strong up the middle, having the ability to set edges, denying easy access throws, and effectively affecting the quarterback. He expressed the need to build a defensive system that consistently incorporates these four elements on every snap.

Despite being let go four games into his fourth season at Georgia Tech in 2022, Collins brings valuable experience to the table. During his tenure, his defenses struggled, finishing as the second-worst scoring unit in the ACC in each of his full seasons, allowing over 30 points per game.

With his past experiences and fresh insights gained during his hiatus, Collins aims to contribute positively to the North Carolina team. His hiring marks the third defensive coordinator under Mack Brown since the coach’s return to Chapel Hill in 2019, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities.