Minnesota football defensive coordinator Everett Withers resigned today in order to fill a similar position at the University of North Carolina.

Withers, who is originally from Charlotte, N.C., worked with coach Tim Brewster while both were assistants at Texas before becoming the defensive backs coach for the Tennessee Titans from 2001-2006.

“I want to thank Tim Brewster for the opportunity he gave me at the University of Minnesota,” Withers said. “Though we were unable to accomplish all of our goals, the past year has been an incredibly positive experience overall. With the leadership of Coach Brewster and the recruiting gains that were made this year, I think the future is very bright for Gopher football.”

Withers joins Randy Taylor as the second member of Brewster’s coaching staff to leave after the program’s first season. The Gophers head coach also said today that several other coaches have been offered positions elsewhere – four other members of the coaching staff have chosen to stay at Minnesota according to Brewster.

In a University press release, Brewster thanked his former defensive coordinator for the season he spent with the program.

“Everett is one of the brightest defensive minds in all of football,” said Brewster. “When you hire high-quality individuals they are always going to be in demand. It has always been a dream of Everett’s to coach at the University of North Carolina and it would have been very difficult for him to not pursue this opportunity. Everett has truly been an asset to our program as both a coach and a recruiter and I am grateful for his contributions. I wish him nothing but the best.”

Brewster added that a nation-wide search for a replacement for Withers will begin immediately.