Many student-athletes envision stepping into coaching once their playing days end, eager to stay connected to the game and guide the next generation. Former N.C. State and Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall followed that path, transitioning into coaching shortly after a medical retirement. But that wasn’t always the plan for Charlton Warren. Now the Wolfpack’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties/nickelbacks coach, Warren initially aimed for a different career — serving as a general in the United States Air Force.
A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Warren played football while completing his education and went on to serve ten years of active duty, including time with U.S. Special Forces. Coaching entered his life unexpectedly when he was assigned to coach football at the Academy. That experience in 2005 changed his outlook — he realized the profound impact a coach can have from recruitment through graduation. That revelation led him to swap a future in fighter jets for a career in football.
“When it came time to make a change, I said, ‘I love my country, and I love my career, but I believe I can make an even bigger difference in the lives of young people through coaching,’” Warren said.
His coaching journey has taken him to major programs like Georgia, Nebraska, Tennessee, and twice to UNC. Now at N.C. State, Warren brings a philosophy grounded in toughness, energy, accountability, discipline, and perspective — values he embodied as a player, once earning the “Mr. Intensity” Award.
Warren’s goal is to exemplify those traits both on and off the field. “Of course, we want to win games and championships,” he said. “But just as important is making sure these young men are guided, mentored, and coached the right way. You’ll win some and lose some — hopefully more wins — but their growth matters most.”
Building a solid foundation
When Charlton Warren first addressed the team, he was met with a sea of watchful eyes — a moment he cherishes. For him, that first meeting marks the beginning of something bigger: building relationships and laying the foundation for mentorship. Trust is at the heart of Warren’s approach, and he’s committed to spending the offseason earning it. Through shared meals, practices, team meetings, and small gestures, he aims to foster buy-in from his players.
Warren is focused on creating a culture built on fundamentals, discipline, open communication, and a willingness to be coached. He wants to see his players grow — not just as athletes, but as people. To him, that development off the field translates directly to success on it.
“We’ve got a long time before we play a football game,” Warren said. “The great thing about that is I can invest in them as individuals even more than as players right now. That’s how trust is built. They’ll find out soon just how much I care about them as young men, not just as athletes.”
That investment is already taking root. Cornerback Jackson Vick shared that Warren recently hosted a team cookout at his home to build connections away from football. Freshman Jaren Sensabaugh said he felt a connection with Warren immediately, even comparing him to his own father.
“He coaches with passion and attention to detail,” Sensabaugh said. “That’s exactly what you need to learn and grow. He makes sure you understand everything — no confusion, no questions left behind.”
A rave review
Former UNC head coach Mack Brown holds Charlton Warren in high regard — so much so that he made time to praise the new N.C. State assistant even before heading out on vacation. Brown said Warren doesn’t just talk the talk — he lives by the values he preaches. His commitment to helping the Wolfpack succeed goes beyond just wins and championships. Brown noted that while Warren is absolutely focused on winning, he also prioritizes developing players both on the field and in life.
Warren brings confidence, passion, a strong work ethic, and determination — traits he actively works to instill in his players. He also emphasizes the importance of seeing football as just one part of a bigger picture. “That military background — that life perspective — has given me the tools to help the young men in my room understand what matters beyond football, while still keeping them competitive,” Warren said.
Warren had two separate stints with UNC: first under Larry Fedora from 2015 to 2016, and later under Mack Brown from 2022 to 2024. Between those tenures, he coached at Georgia before returning to Chapel Hill, where he held roles as assistant head coach for defense, co-defensive coordinator, and defensive backs coach. Brown said bringing Warren back a second time was an easy decision due to his defensive experience, strong recruiting skills, and high character. His military background only added to the appeal. Brown said he never had to worry about Warren — he always handled situations with class and integrity.
Brown also praised Warren’s ability to develop talent. Under his guidance, players like Marcus Allen thrived, collecting 14 pass breakups, three interceptions, and 101 tackles over three seasons. Alijah Huzzie, in just two years, posted 14 pass breakups, four picks, 82 tackles, two sacks, and earned back-to-back All-ACC Honorable Mention honors in 2023 and 2024. During Warren’s second stint, UNC’s defense recorded 128 pass deflections and 30 interceptions — including 12 in 2023, their highest total since 2019 — and returned three of those picks for touchdowns in 2024.
“He’s got great integrity, he’s smart, and he’s absolutely driven,” Brown said. “He pushes his players, but always in a positive way. He’s tough as nails. If I ever had to leave my kids or grandkids with someone, Charlton Warren is exactly the kind of man I’d trust.”
Handling the rivalry with grace
Just six months ago, Charlton Warren’s wardrobe was full of Carolina blue — and he might still have a few pieces tucked away in storage. To some fans, taking a job at a rival school might seem surprising, even disloyal. But for Warren, some things rise above rivalry lines — like joining a respected, values-driven program and continuing his mission to mentor young athletes. Plus, taking the job at N.C. State allowed his family to stay put.
“Any coach with a good head on their shoulders would jump at this opportunity,” Warren said. “For me, it wasn’t just about staying in the area — that part was easy. It was the culture, the energy, the fan base. Those are the things that fire me up as a coach and a fan of college football.”
UNC parted ways with Mack Brown in November, allowing him to coach the regular-season finale against N.C. State but not the bowl game. Brown later reflected on how tough it is to leave behind not just the players, but the dozens of staff and assistants affected — nearly 75 people lost their jobs. Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens is among the few assistants retained by new head coach Bill Belichick.
“I felt a real responsibility to help everyone on our staff land somewhere new,” Brown said. “I spoke with all of them about opportunities and reached out to head coaches I knew, vouching for the incredible work they did for us. That mattered deeply to me.”
Though Brown always looked forward to beating N.C. State, he never held animosity toward the program, its head coach Dave Doeren, or the school itself. The same goes for Warren. Brown said there’s no question about Warren’s loyalty — he’s confident his former assistant will recruit hard, coach with passion, and be a strong ambassador for N.C. State.
“N.C. State fans should be proud,” Brown said. “They’ve got a war hero who’s helped protect this country and is now one of the top coaches in college football. I’m proud of him every single day — proud that I got to coach with him and share that journey.”
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