North Carolina introduced Gene Chizik as its next defensive coordinator on Thursday afternoon. According to coach Mack Brown, Chizik was his top target for the position.

Brown told reporters that Chizik was his first call after the Tar Heels parted ways with former defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. Chizik agreed to the job “on the spot,” Brown said.

Of course, this isn’t Chizik’s first time in Chapel Hill. He was North Carolina’s defensive coordinator from 2015-16 before deciding to retire from coaching. Chizik spent the previous 5 seasons working for the SEC Network.

Chizik, 61, is a veteran coach who has been apart of two National Championships — as a co-defensive coordinator in 2005 with Texas and as Auburn’s head coach in 2009.

Improving on defense will be a major focus of North Carolina’s offseason. The Tar Heels allowed 6.1 yards per play last season, which ranked 11th in the ACC. They especially struggled through the air, giving up an ACC-worst 8.7 yards per passing attempt last season.

Charlton Warren will serve as North Carolina’s co-defensive coordinator.