Mike Riley has released a statement confirming that Nebraska defensive backs coach Charlton Warren is leaving the Huskers to join North Carolina in the same position.

"Charlton Warren has informed me of his plans to take a similar coaching position at another university," Riley said. "This is an opportunity that Charlton feels is right for him and his family, and I respect his decision. We appreciate the valuable role Charlton has played in our transition to the University of Nebraska and wish him and his family nothing but the best. Charlton is an outstanding man and a bright, energetic football coach with a great future ahead of him in this profession.

"We will search for a talented teacher, coach and recruiter to fill the open position on our defensive staff. This is a high priority, but we will take the necessary time to find the individual who is the right fit to help lead the young men in the University of Nebraska football program."

Warren, the one member Riley kept from Bo Pelini's coaching staff, is viewed as an up-and-coming name in the business, not only for his coaching but his recruiting. Warren played a major hand in helping the Huskers keep (and after Pelini was fired, retain) Eric Lee, Avery Anderson, Aaron Williams and others.

Just yesterday, Josh Hemholdt rated Warren as among the Big Ten's top recruiters.

Nebraska's secondary allowed opponents to complete just 48.5 percent of their passes last year, the second-best mark in the nation. The Huskers held the opposition under 50 percent passing in nine of 13 games and allowed an average of just 6.1 yards per attempt, 13th-best in the nation.

The move brings more instability to a position prone to constant change in recent times. Whoever Riley hires to replace Warren will be the fifth defensive backs coach in six years, following Marvin Sanders, Corey Raymond, Terry Joseph.

Warren, who came to Nebraska after spending 2007-2013 as an assistant at Air Force, rejoins UNC head coach Larry Fedora, who coached the quarterbacks and receivers in 1997-1998 at Air Force when Warren played there. Warren will also be reunited with former NU defensive coordinator John Papuchis, who was recently hired as a defensive assistant on UNC's staff.

Warren replaces the recently-fired Dan Disch as Fedora overhauled his defensive staff. North Carolina ranked 119 in total defense last season and 104th in passing defense.

Most players have been quiet on the move so far, but linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey and cornerbacks Joshua Kalu and Chris Jones took to Twitter to express their feelings.

Wishing coach Warren the best of luck at UNC. Great man, great coach.- Michael Rose-Ivey (@Rose_IveyNB15) February 13, 2015

the vibe is similar to the Ohio st situation but college football is a business and the minute you forget that you messed up- Michael Rose-Ivey (@Rose_IveyNB15) February 13, 2015

Life.- Joshua Kalu (@BluesKalus) February 13, 2015

God i still thank you 🙏- Chris Jones (@Chrisselfmade2) February 13, 2015

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