Aaron Henry named Illini Defensive Coordinator

TwoElevenEastDaniel · Dec 16, 2022

Update: Illini officially promote Aaron Henry to defensive coordinator

Illinois is promoting from within to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy.

247sports.com

mhuml32 · Dec 16, 2022

TwoElevenEastDaniel said:
Update: Illini officially promote Aaron Henry to defensive coordinator

Illinois is promoting from within to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy.

247sports.com

Whoa, says a lot about Bielema's faith in Henry's coaching potential. Werner has spoken to Henry becoming the DC down the road. Looks like his moment is arriving right now.

Class_of_2020 · Dec 16, 2022

This seems like a big jump for AH. Probably would’ve rather had Kane.

Indy Illini Fan · Dec 16, 2022

Happy Illinois Football GIF by Fighting Illini Athletics

Newmark4thFloor · Dec 16, 2022

Congrats to Henry & his family but wonder why Kane didn't get the job. Was Kane more interested in working with RW?

illinidarrin · Dec 16, 2022

A little bit of a surprise.

AutoPoster 3000 · Dec 16, 2022

Wow. Don’t know what to make of that without knowing who turned down who.

Indy Illini Fan · Dec 16, 2022

illinidarrin said:
A little bit of a surprise.

I found out last night … Was told by multiple sources not to share and I respected that wish …

I will say I was a little surprised as well until I got some background … But I like the move …

krushalot2005 · Dec 16, 2022

Ummm…underwhelming? I’ll defer to those who know more than I but this strikes me as a bit of a leap of faith and not necessarily the best outcome for a program pushing to keep building on success.

blackdog · Dec 16, 2022

Class_of_2020 said:
This seems like a big jump for AH. Probably would’ve rather had Kane.

Seems like Kane is deciding to follow Walter's to Purdue so maybe that wasn't an option

illini0440 · Dec 16, 2022

krushalot2005 said:
Ummm…underwhelming? I’ll defer to those who know more than I but this strikes me as a bit of a leap of faith.

We will see who comes in as position coaches

Ander1345 · Dec 16, 2022

My guess is whoever didn't get DC was leaving for Purdue, and Bret saw more upside with Henry.

LvilleILL · Dec 16, 2022

There were recruiting implications in this decision as well

warhog6g · Dec 16, 2022

This is dumb

Illiniam1984 · Dec 16, 2022

Henry is definitely a better recruiter than Kane.

Neidermeyer · Dec 16, 2022

He's been coaching for 6 years? Is that correct? I do agree about the recruiting...

Ryllini · Dec 16, 2022

Glad to keep AH...not that I had any clue, but I knew there'd be no chance AH would leave for Purdue. BB and AH seem to have am incredible bond.

Ander1345 · Dec 16, 2022

Ryllini said:
Glad to keep AH...not that I had any clue, but I knew there'd be no chance AH would leave for Purdue. BB and AH seem to have am incredible bond.

If Walters was coming with an offer for a DC promotion for AH or Kane, he could have his pick of either.

ChiTown · Dec 16, 2022

I think Henry is doing a good job helping to recruit Florida too.

mhuml32 · Dec 16, 2022

Ander1345 said:
My guess is whoever didn't get DC was leaving for Purdue, and Bret saw more upside with Henry.

Been thinking about this as well. If Bielema promotes Kane or Henry, the other leaves for Purdue's DC position.

MULEDOG35 · Dec 16, 2022

illini0440 said:
We will see who comes in as position coaches

Any ideas?

Scoregasm · Dec 16, 2022

Newmark4thFloor said:
Congrats to Henry & his family but wonder why Kane didn't get the job. Was Kane more interested in working with RW?

I wonder of BB had to choose between keeping Kane or Henry by offering the DC position. Maybe BB sees more long term potential with Henry.

PassingBy · Dec 16, 2022

BB knows best. He has had a game plan that has worked wonders, and I trust he has a great game plan. In BB I trust.

Indy Illini Fan · Dec 16, 2022

PassingBy said:
BB knows best. He has had a game plan that has worked wonders, and I trust he has a great game plan. In BB I trust.

Amazing what can happen when you have an AD, Head football coach and Head basketball coach that all know how to get the job done ...

Scoregasm · Dec 16, 2022

I love the Henry hire, btw.