I'm gonna say it'll be Ash or someone that hasn't been mentioned. How's that for going out on a limb? Lol
The Illinois Coaching Staff Search
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Ash has been mentioned a lot throughout the 32 threads. He’s been on my wish list but since Texas has already played and no announcement has me thinking that’s not happening.
Can't believe we have had so many misses over the years. Having past OC s brought up makes me sick. We really could have had continued success because we did have the talent at times. Hard to be optimistic being an Illini fan of 50 years. Although the last 2 coaches have been the hardest for me to deal with. Probably just getting old I guess. However I have a glimmer of hope that I haven't had for a while. Hopefully DC is a home run hire and we can start recruiting a better level.
That'd be great but I bet he ends up at LSU.
I’ll pass on Charlie Strong. He is an odd bird from everything I’ve heard about him.
As Coach has said, camaderie among the coaching staff is important. No prima donnas or big egos.
Camaraderie
Jim Leonhard makes $1 mils a year and the last article I could find shows his contract expiring 1/31/21. So I wonder if Bielema is making a pitch to him to get him to move for more money?
Would a guy like partridge move the needle? I believe he’s been mentioned numerous times already, but hes ahc/d-line at pitt, would he be a dc or dl coach or even leave pitt for Illinois?
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
The only way Marcus Freeman was coming to Illinois was as the head coach, and I was happy to hear Whitman interviewed him.
Who was the guy who came from Notre Dame? Beck? Another loser.
Deleted member 186590
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Given he’s never been a DC- I don’t see BB hiring him for that here. He would be a home-run DL/AHC hire, obviously coached JJ Watt and seems to recruit South Florida really well. He’s already been a HC at FAU and it didn’t go well- I don’t think he’s looking for titles at this point in his career - money and working for a HC he trusts would likely matter more so I would think he would be a realistic possibility to be on the staff
BB’s staff picks would have been part of the interview process - I just can’t see when JW asked BB who his staff would be he said “Petersen and Partridge will run my offense and defense” JW saying “you’re hired! You had me at Petersen”. That just doesn’t sound right- BB must have something else up his sleeve.
Deleted member 654622
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It likely would but we are the ugly chick looking for a prom date. Any high end options are prob gonna try and play the field as long as possible. And since no one wants to kiss our ugly ace, we are willing to wait.
Not saying that is what's happening, just that it is a good possibility
altenberger22
- South Carolina
Seems to me that we're going to be in for another surprise when the DC is finally announced. When Bielema had to retract his very early "....We'll be playing a 3-4 defense at Illinois...." comment, I think it was obvious he had been turned down by his first choice.
(BTW, who among us had Wyoming in the "OL Assistant Coach" pool ----- and Appalachian State in the "OC" pool? Perhaps we should be looking in the direction of Idaho State, UConn or Ga Southern for our next new coach.)
(BTW, who among us had Wyoming in the "OL Assistant Coach" pool ----- and Appalachian State in the "OC" pool? Perhaps we should be looking in the direction of Idaho State, UConn or Ga Southern for our next new coach.)
When did he retract he wants to play a 3-4/multiple D?
altenberger22
- South Carolina
As I recall it was probably day 2 or day 3 after being announced as our new coach.......
Bret said it was the one "do over" he wanted from his initial comments. I interpreted that he just prefers to be more non-committal as to the defensive scheme he'll run, rather than locked-in to the 3-4.
I agree since hes be a d line coach or the hc stint at fau. Just looking for dc ideas. Ash is still my number 1 but since nothings been announced I’m assuming that ain’t happening. Really dont see a lead candidate and get ansy for the news to drop lol
For sure we'll know something by Monday and once both the OC and DC are known I'll expect the rest of the staff a week after the NC game.
Deleted member 746648
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With that being said, I could see us going after a guy with a similar resume to Scott symons from liberty. Young guy with a clearly rising stock as a DC. His defenses haven't exactly blown people away but they are clearly outperforming the amount of talent on the field.
This wouldn't be a hire I would be excited about but I wouldn't exactly complain either.
Look at the roster and it isn’t really conducive to playing a 3-4 right now.
I mean we don't really have depth on the DL right now to play a 4-3 either.
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
No closer to a 3-4, 4-3, or 3-3-5. The new guy has a clean canvas and bare cupboard.
altenberger22
- South Carolina
Overall the defense seems really weak to me. Anxious to see how the last 4-5 big Senior names decide to approach the 2021 season. Would love to see all of them return, and then supplement that with 4-5 strong transfer starters.
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