Coach Jamie Bryant, who spent the 2001 season as a secondary coach and graduate assistant at the University of North Carolina, will mentor Vanderbilt defensive backs.

While assisting defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta at North Carolina, Bryant worked on the staff with Robbie Caldwell, Vanderbilt’s assistant head coach and offensive line coach.

Bryant, 32, assisted at UNC after serving a year at St. Francis (Pa.) University. His coaching career also includes a three-year stint at Clarion (Pa.) University and five years of high school experience.

The Tar Heels finished strong in 2001, using an aggressive defense to win seven of their final nine regular season games, including impressive routs of ACC foes Florida State and Clemson. North Carolina ended its season successfully by shutting down Auburn 16-10 in the Peach Bowl.

The Tar Heels were the ACC’s top-ranked unit - and 15th best nationally - in total defense. They also topped the conference in pass efficiency defense.

Prior to joining UNC, Bryant’s efforts as defensive coordinator and secondary coach improved a struggling defense at I-AA St. Francis.

Bryant entered the collegiate coaching ranks in 1997 as linebackers coach at Clarion. His duties at Clarion evolved to secondary coach and special teams coordinator for his final two seasons.

From 1992-96, Bryant coached at three Ohio high schools, including a three-year stint as head coach at East Clinton High.

Bryant, native of Fredericktown, Ohio, was a three-year letterman at Ohio Wesleyan, graduating in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in economics management.