Everett Withers was named Carolina's interim head coach on July 28, 2011. Withers is in his 24th season as a coach and has experience at both the professional and college level. He has served as Carolina's defensive coordinator and secondary coach the last three seasons.
Decimated by personnel losses and injuries in 2010, Carolina's defense still ranked fourth in the ACC and 30th in the country as the Tar Heels played with a new lineup virtually every week. Defensive tackle Quinton Coples earned first-team All-ACC honors and linebacker Bruce Carter was a second-team pick. Following the season, five Tar Heel defensive players were taken in the NFL Draft, including first-round selection Robert Quinn, who missed all of the 2010 season.
In addition to his duties as the coordinator, Withers oversees the defensive secondary, which has developed into one of the best units in the country. Carolina picked off 19 passes in 2010 to match the previous year's total, and has 58 interceptions over the past three seasons. Safety Da'Norris Searcy, a fifth-round pick by Buffalo, led the team with four interceptions in 2010.
In 2009, the Tar Heels' defense was among the nation's elite, ranking sixth in total defense, 10th against the run, 13th in scoring defense and 14th in pass defense. Carolina was the only school in the country ranked in the top 15 in total yards allowed, scoring defense, run defense, pass defense, pass efficiency defense, third-down defense and tackles for losses. Six Carolina defenders were named all-conference, including first-team picks Quinn, Quan Sturdivant, Kendric Burney and Deunta Williams. Carolina had 19 interceptions and set a single-season ACC record with 508 interception return yards. Withers was nominated in 2009 for the Broyles Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top assistant coach.
In 2008, the opportunistic Tar Heel defense ranked eighth in the country with 20 interceptions, just one shy of the school record.
Withers came to North Carolina after serving one season as the University of Minnesota's defensive coordinator in 2007.
Withers spent six seasons with the Tennessee Titans from 2001-06 under head coach Jeff Fisher. From 2002-04, Withers helped the Titans defense tally 57 interceptions, which was the most for the franchise over a three-year period since 1993-95. The 57 interceptions also ranked fourth in the AFC and eighth overall during that time. The Titans totaled 21 picks in 2004, including 16 by the secondary.
In 2002, Withers directed a revamped secondary that added safeties Lance Schulters and rookie Tank Williams. The new arrangement helped the defense earn a top 10 ranking and Schulters' six interceptions were the most by a Titans safety since 1993. Withers also developed Andre Dyson into a starter as a rookie in 2001 and helped him total 16 interceptions during his four-year Titan career, including six his final season.
Prior to working with the Titans, Withers was defensive backs coach under Mack Brown at Texas from 1998-2000.
Withers joined the Longhorns after three seasons (1995-97) as defensive coordinator at Louisville. While at Louisville, Withers helped current New York Giants All-Pro cornerback Sam Madison earn All-America honors for the Cardinals.
Withers' first National Football League experience came with the New Orleans Saints where he worked as defensive quality control in 1994. Prior to his experience with the Saints, Withers was defensive backs coach at Southern Mississippi for two seasons (1992-93) and outside linebackers coach at Tulane in 1991. The first three years of Withers' coaching career came at Austin Peay, where he was defensive coordinator (1988-89) and special teams/wide receivers coach (1990).
Withers earned his bachelor's degree from Appalachian State in 1985. He was also a standout defensive back and captain for the Mountaineers from 1981-85. Withers and his wife, Kara, have two children, Tia and Pierce.
Withers At A Glance
Born: June 15, 1963
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: West Charlotte
Alma Mater: Appalachian State, 1985
