Gophers' Withers expected to take job at UNC

In another blow to Tim Brewster's staff, the highest-paid assistant coach in U history is set to leave the football program after one season.

By CHIP SCOGGINS, Star Tribune

Last update: February 19, 2008 - 1:19 AM

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As a kid growing up in Charlotte, N.C., Everett Withers dreamed of either playing for or coaching at the University of North Carolina.

Now, he'll get his chance.

In a move that might surprise fans of both schools, Withers is excepted to leave after one arduous season as Gophers defensive coordinator to take the same position on the staff of North Carolina coach Butch Davis, according to a Gophers official.

Withers, the highest-paid assistant coach in Gophers history, will replace Chuck Pagano, who resigned last week to become an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

Withers interviewed in North Carolina late last week and accepted the job Sunday. He declined to comment when contacted Sunday. He is expected to discuss his decision once North Carolina officially announces his hiring.

Withers had two years remaining on a deal at Minnesota that was worth nearly $1 million. He is expected to receive a slight raise at North Carolina from his $330,000 annual salary.

Withers is believed to have pursued the North Carolina job in part because it is a better fit for him and his family. He went to college at Appalachian State, his mother lives in Charlotte and almost all of his coaching career has been spent in the South.

Withers' wife, Kara, attended Woodbury High and has family in the Twin Cities. But the couple's children grew up in the South, and North Carolina is his home.

The move will also provide a fresh start professionally after a difficult season with the Gophers. Withers' defense had one of the worst showings statistically in recent NCAA history in a 1-11 season.

Minnesota finished last nationally in Division I-A in total defense, allowing a school-record 6,224 yards -- nearly 520 per game. The Gophers ranked 103rd or worse in seven major defensive categories.

Withers tried to install an aggressive, attacking style of defense that relied on multiple formations and heavy blitzing. But he did not have nearly enough talent at his disposal to make it work.

By the end, Withers said he was looking for "little victories," while trying to fix the problems.

Withers' departure will be a blow to coach Tim Brewster's staff, which also lost director of football operations Randy Taylor this past week. He resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Brewster often described Withers as a coaching "star," and said he believes Withers will be a head coach some day.

Brewster now must replace Withers, presumably before spring practice starts in late March.

One name that could possibly emerge is former Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, who has been friends with Brewster since their days at Illinois in the early 1980s. Cosgrove's son, Clint, was a defensive graduate assistant with the Gophers last season.