Jay Bateman is out as defensive coordinator at North Carolina following the Tar Heels’ struggles on that side of the ball this season, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday.
Bateman spent the past three seasons with the Tar Heels after defensive coordinator stints at both Army and Ball State.
UNC’s defense struggled during the 2021 season, finishing 105th nationally in points allowed (32.1 per game) and 94th in yards allowed (418 per game). Bateman has shared coordinator duties with Tommy Thigpen but is UNC’s primary defensive play-caller.
North Carolina surrendered 38 points and 543 yards in a loss to South Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Bateman is the former head coach at Siena.
The Athletic first reported that Bateman was out at UNC.
This article was originally published by Espn.com. Read the original article here.