Aaron Henry named Illini Defensive Coordinator

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#76      

Rusty

Rusty
Rusty
molinefan said:
Seems strange to me for staff members (not RW since he is becoming a head coach) and even players (at least the speculation of players) to so easily jump ship to go to a rival conference team after playing key, active roles on their current team. As an Illini fan I don't think I could switch loyalty to a rival big ten team if I tried. We've been fans for years, they've been here 2, who cares more particular truly feel bonded to the team they are playing for. I don't really mean this to be critical of anyone but just some questions all of this brings up in my mind.
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We've been fans for years, they've been here 2, who cares more? Not a question. This is not a problem for coaches that want to achieve their goals .This is great for Illinois football. Illinois and Coach BB have achieved other Power 5 programs wanting to poach and hire our coaches!!! Holy @hit!!!!
The way of the business aspect now. Basketball, the players go where they think they will get to the next level. (we've benefited) Football players are the same.(we've benefited) Why wouldn't a football coach getting a massive promotion and salary not do the same? Look at how many coaches at the top level have changed jobs within Power 5 conferences and it's not been a problem.
 
#80      

Illinir1

Illinir1
Camdenton, MO
Illinir1
Orange Roughy said:
Any chance Leonhard is announced to be our Co-DC after the Wisconsin Bowl Game?
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Could fit Coach B's release on the announcement of RW's hiring by Purdue. "We have had a plan in place that we'll unveil in the coming weeks...". Why would he say "in the coming weeks" if he knew that in three days he would promote AH? Perhaps it suggests other pieces are known, but can't be communicated yet?
 

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#81      

EyeoftheIllini

EyeoftheIllini
EyeoftheIllini
Illinir1 said:
Could fit Coach B's release on the announcement of RW's hiring by Purdue. "We have had a plan in place that we'll unveil in the coming weeks...". Why would he say "in the coming weeks" if he knew that in three days he would promote AH? Perhaps it suggests other pieces are known, but can't be communicated yet?
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Because he likely meant a plan in place to get the staff whole not just hire a DC. He likely had at least an inkling he would lose another coach beyond Walters. I suppose it isn’t out of the question that Leonhard comes on board, but it seems highly unlikely.
 
#82      

DeonThomas

DeonThomas
South Carolina
DeonThomas
While the defensive staff over the past two years has been exceptional and cohesive, I'd have to speculate the top two coaches of the bunch (with all things considered) have been (1) Walters, and (2) Henry. And each is getting a really nice bump in responsibility. As an outsider, it appears that Aaron is an outstanding recruiter, an excellent position coach and a superior leader. And what a motivator! Just look at the growth of his guys from a talent perspective over the past two years!!!

Kane is also getting a great new job, working for a guy he likes and respects. Win-win-win for three guys who coached the #1 defense in FBS (based upon points allowed per game).

This is just the way the whole process works. I like young, hungry coaches who work their butts off. Next men up!
 
#85      

illini80

illini80
Forgottonia
illini80
Obviously we fans don’t always handle change well, 👀 but I expect we will see a regular dose of this if BB continues to succeed on the field and in bringing in top quality assistants and coordinators. Unfortunately not every one will be a home run. It’s part of the sports landscape and will be forever. I trust Bret to steer the ship and I know he will find the guys to make us successful. We are now (with Bret) a destination good coaches want to be at and that is such a change from a few years ago it’s worth remembering. We will be fine.
 
#86      

Dbell1981

D
Decatur, IL
Dbell1981
I take this move as coach B having to decide between who he will keep. Walters probably told coach B 1 of those 2 men will get the DC job in West Lafayette so you better make 1 of em your DC so I dont take them both. I dont see Henry leaving coach B for a similar job at Purdue but I could see us losing both if BB didnt promote Henry. Walters could have given them co-DC titles to justify the pay to pry them both away. Can't wait to see who we bring on board!
 
#87      

ChiefGritty

ChiefGritty
Chicago, IL
ChiefGritty
molinefan said:
Seems strange to me for staff members (not RW since he is becoming a head coach) and even players (at least the speculation of players) to so easily jump ship to go to a rival conference team after playing key, active roles on their current team.
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Welcome to the new college football.
 
#88      

Dbell1981

D
Decatur, IL
Dbell1981
illini80 said:
Obviously we fans don’t always handle change well, 👀 but I expect we will see a regular dose of this if BB continues to succeed on the field and in bringing in top quality assistants and coordinators. Unfortunately not every one will be a home run. It’s part of the sports landscape and will be forever. I trust Bret to steer the ship and I know he will find the guys to make us successful. We are now (with Bret) a destination good coaches want to be at and that is such a change from a few years ago it’s worth remembering. We will be fine.
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Great take. Yes it is refreshing and exciting to be replacing coaches because of success instead of failure. Cant wait to find out who fills the roles but I hope they get em in here fast before Jacas gets poached. That kid is gonna be crazy good!
 
#89      

Mr. Tibbs

Mr. Tibbs
southeast DuPage
Mr. Tibbs
Orange Roughy said:
Any chance Leonhard is announced to be our Co-DC after the Wisconsin Bowl Game?
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I think it’s very possible something along those lines is in the works - not necessarily a “co-dc” thing , but who knows .

JL being involved on ourccoaching staff is not something I expect at this point , but it would not surprise me . BB simply can’t say anything about those plans until after wiscy’s bowl game
 
#90      

Illinivek23

Illinivek23
Gurnee
Illinivek23
Doesn't seem to be an overlap between JL and AH in Madison. Would JL come to be the AHC and work on other aspects of being a P5 HC under BB?
 
#94      

ChiefGritty

ChiefGritty
Chicago, IL
ChiefGritty
Mr. Tibbs said:
yea, and it’s only going to intensify as time goes on
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And I have every amount of faith that BB made an intelligent decision when faced with the choice of losing Kane or Henry as to which one would be best positioned to minimize the defections that are coming.

The question is whether we might have been better off in the long run pulling the band-aid all the way off, letting the roster scatter to the wind, but bringing in the biggest name best qualified DC we could, who of course then creates an inflow of his former players. That's a tougher question.

What Henry has done with our DB's is pretty amazing though, that's worth stating.
 
#96      

msphdillini

M
msphdillini
why do I feel that we are doomed again!
Please note :
All the great players Brown (twins), Palczewski, Weatherspoon and others were recruited under Lovie Smith. It was bit late for Lovie but left us with great roster for BB to succeed.
We had easy schedule this year go 8-4. It will be difficult to get there next few years.
BB got us a good DC who helped develop talent.
There is no Rolodex for BB our #2 is leaving for Purdue.

Anyways, I will be there supporting the team in everygame.
 
#98      

LFOD

LFOD
LFOD
I think it's possible that we retained the best defensive coach we had, considering the combination of skill improvement, motivation, and recruiting. Henry is young and hasn't been a DC previously, so it's a high risk hire by definition. But I like it. Now it'll be interesting to see who else joins the defensive staff.
 
#100      

KBLEE

KBLEE
Montgomery, IL
KBLEE
msphdillini said:
why do I feel that we are doomed again!
Please note :
All the great players Brown (twins), Palczewski, Weatherspoon and others were recruited under Lovie Smith. It was bit late for Lovie but left us with great roster for BB to succeed.
We had easy schedule this year go 8-4. It will be difficult to get there next few years.
BB got us a good DC who helped develop talent.
There is no Rolodex for BB our #2 is leaving for Purdue.

Anyways, I will be there supporting the team in everygame.
Click to expand...
rachel dratch television GIF by Saturday Night Live
 
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