Instead, at age 44, he will do the next best thing: coach there as the Tar Heels' new defensive coordinator.

Terms of Withers' deal will not be disclosed by the school until he signs a letter of appointment.

Head coach Butch Davis said he chose Withers, an Appalachian State grad, because he's an "outstanding" recruiter, runs a 4-3 defense and has loads of experience coaching the secondary -- all things that will fit well into UNC's scheme.

"I was impressed with his overall knowledge of what all 11 guys do,'' Davis said.

"He's a great addition, and the addition chemistry-wise to our staff is just going to be outstanding."

Withers' coaching stops include Louisville, Texas and the Tennessee Titans.

Last season, he was defensive coordinator at Minnesota, where the Gophers finished last defensively in Division I.

He said the talent level and changing to an aggressive, more man-to-man style were the biggest reasons for Minnesota's struggles. But Withers said he doesn't expect to have the same problems in Chapel Hill.

Last season, the Tar Heels finished 35th in the nation in total defense, allowing 349.8 yards per game. In particular, Davis said he wants his team to improve its run defense and third-down defense.

"We're going to try to put together a defense that will play smart, fast and have fun playing it," Withers said. "... I think we have a chance to do something special with the talent level here."

Withers, a father of two, replaces Chuck Pagano, who left UNC after one season to become an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

Although Withers was never recruited by the Tar Heels, he looks forward to finally competing each Saturday at Kenan Stadium.

"This is a place I've always wanted to coach, as well as wanting to play here,'' said Withers, who has lots of family still living in Charlotte.