Another new defensive coordinator? NC State football juggles coaching staff — again
Even with an open transfer portal, it’s rare to see a player flip directly from rival to rival, never mind a member of the coaching staff.
But N.C. State has done exactly that, with Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren announcing Thursday morning the program has flipped a former North Carolina assistant coach to join the Pack’s defensive staff.
Charlton Warren will serve as the Wolfpack’s co-defensive coordinator and position coach over the safeties and nickelbacks, Warren will replace Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, who was originally named to the position and served as the interim defensive coordinator in N.C. State’s bowl game. Aughtry-Lindsay has reportedly taken another coaching job.
Warren served as the co-defensive coordinator, alongside Gene Chizik and Geoff Collins, and defensive backs coach for UNC. He also served as the assistant head coach for defense. In 2023, the Tar Heels’ secondary produced 12 interceptions, the most since 2019.
Warren’s resume stretches two decades and includes stops at Georgia, Indiana, Florida, Tennessee, and another stint at Carolina.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the unbelievable culture of toughness that coach Doeren has built at NC State,” Warren said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity to be able to pour into and mentor young men and I can’t wait to get rolling with the Pack.”
At Georgia, Warren led the Bulldogs to two SEC East titles and New Year’s Six bowls, while being one of the top defenses in the FBS. In 2019, he played a key part in helping Georgia earn at least 11 wins for the third straight season.
He coached defensive backs and special teams at Tennessee. In 2017, the Vols were one of the SEC’s best defenses, allowing the second-fewest passing yards (1,950) and yards per game (161.7).
During his first two-year stop at UNC, Warren helped the Tar Heels rank in the top 10 for best passing defense in 2016. The defense allowed 14.5 fewer opponent points in 2015 than it did in 2014, topping the power program ranks for greatest improvement. That same season, Carolina led the ACC in interceptions, turnovers gained and passes defended, while giving up only 11 passing touchdowns. The Tar Heels boasted an 11-3 record, earning a spot in the ACC Championship game.
“Charlton brings a wealth of coordinator experience from the SEC, ACC and Big Ten and is known as a relentless recruiter and developer of defensive backs,” Doeren said in a statement. “He’s been on my radar for a long time because he’s put many players in the NFL during his coaching tenure and comes with glowing recommendations from coaches I respect. I’m so impressed with his military background and his service to our country and know that he will be a great addition to our staff.”
Warren joins the staff after DJ Eliot was named defensive coordinator, replacing Tony Gibson. Brian Mitchell remains the cornerbacks coach and Charley Wiles will lead the defensive line.
Aughtry-Lindsay did not share details about his next move, but he released a statement on social media Thursday morning and shared gratitude for the players and coaches.
“N.C. State is a special place and will always be my home,” Aughtry-Lindsay, an alumnus, said. “To the administration and football staff, it has been my true pleasure to serve with you at this great university. I wish you all continued success in the future. To the current players, we are Wolfpack family for life. It has been an honor to coach and mentor you.
“In life, there are times where growth and value require change. How you transition as a result of change is one of the most important parts of life. My family and I have decided to embrace this change for the betterment of my career.”
During his time with the Wolfpack, Aughtry-Lindsay also led the program’s Freshman Focus group. This was an opportunity to teach freshmen, and new transfers, about the university, program history and standards. Because of this role, Doeren previously said Aughtry-Lindsay had a special relationship with players across the program and not just his position group.
Aughtry-Lindsay’s departure and Warren’s hire could help explain the unexpected spike of transfer portal announcements last week.
