Withers leaves with no regrets

Everett Withers boarded a plane for North Carolina on Monday night so that he could meet his new players today before their 6 a.m. workout.

"I've got to get to work," he said.

His departure leaves the Gophers football team looking for its sixth defensive coordinator since 2000, an unusually high turnover rate for a position of such importance. Withers officially resigned Monday as Gophers defensive coordinator to take the same post on the staff of North Carolina coach Butch Davis.

Withers, who was the highest-paid assistant coach in Minnesota history, said a combination of factors influenced his decision, but he said he leaves with "no regrets."

He acknowledged the struggles this past season -- the Gophers finished last nationally in total defense -- were both disappointing and frustrating.

"The key here is speed," Withers said. "Obviously you want to get bigger on both lines, offense and defense. But the quickness and speed [on defense] were just not there. It's pretty tough when you're sitting looking at tape knowing you're outmanned before you even step on the field."

Asked if the situation made him feel helpless, Withers said: "Yeah, sometimes it felt that way. But help is on the way with the guys coming in, and I think you will see things start to turn around."

Withers, who had two years remaining at Minnesota on a deal that was worth about $1 million, is expected to receive a multi-year contract from North Carolina. A native of Charlotte, Withers interviewed Thursday and was offered the job Saturday.

"Everett is one of the brightest defensive minds in all of football," Gophers coach Tim Brewster said in a statement released by the school. "When you hire high-quality individuals they are always going to be in demand."

Asked if Brewster tried to convince him to stay, Withers said, "There wasn't really much he could do to sway it." Withers also said his departure was not the result of any friction with Brewster.

"I consider Brew one of my best friends and I would hope he would say the same about me," he said.

Withers indicated several factors led him to pursue the North Carolina job. He wanted to return home and has always dreamed of coaching at North Carolina. He said his family is more comfortable living in the south. He also acknowledged that the struggles this past season were difficult.

"This is just a better fit for me and my family," he said.

The defense had epic problems in a 1-11 season. The Gophers finished last nationally in Division I-A in total defense, gave up a school-record 6,224 yards and ranked 103rd or worse in seven major defensive categories.

Withers prefers an aggressive, blitz-heavy defense, but he did not have the personnel for that style.

"When I look back at it, I'm obviously disappointed that we didn't play good defense," Withers said. "It was one of those experiences that you go through in life. Obviously I'm disappointed that we didn't have success as far as wins and losses. But I still look at it as a positive experience."

Withers is taking over a defense that finished 35th nationally in total defense.