Former North Carolina assistant coach and football standout Dre Bly has found a new home in college football.

Bly was announced as the new defensive analyst for the Charlotte 49ers on Wednesday, heading back to the college game after a year in the NFL. He spent the 2023 season with the Detroit Lions serving as cornerbacks coach and is getting back to the college level now.

The former UNC football standout was a part of Mack Brown’s staff from 2019-22 as the cornerbacks coach before being let go. He then joined the Lions, a team he played a few seasons in the NFL. During that one season, Bly helped the Lions win the NFC North and reach the NFC Championship Game.

The 46-year-old Bly spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a defensive back, winning a Super Bowl and being named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career.

In addition to his coaching experience, Bly has also succeeded as a recruiter as well helping land some key recruits for North Carolina.