Dan
Admin
"Nate McNeal, director of player personnel the past two seasons for Bret Bielema's Illinois football program, will join Brown's Syracuse staff as the program's G.M., sources told FootballScoop."
Coaching Carousel
- Status
Any word on Jim Leonard’s status with the staff. Sorry if I missed it.
Happy for Nate !! Wish him nothing but the best …
Illini losing director of player personnel. Assume likely been known for a bit but waited until all signings official.
Do we have someone as good or better to replace Nate?
He has more responsibilities at ‘Cuse now. He’s essentially now the director of ops for ‘Cuse
It’s a promotion for him …
In my opinion - No … Not internally … Nate really connected well with kids … Multiple recruits and families always mentioned how critical Nate was in getting them comfortable with Illinois … We’ve got a lot of great internal people but Nate’s shoes are big shoes to fill …
Think Bret could go with an outside hire for this one … And he probably should …
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- North Aurora
What is going on with Jim Leonhard? Waiting for the January coaching cycle? NFL? Is there any chance he comes back to us next year?
It would take nearly the perfect opportunity … He has turned down 3 DC jobs already …
Has to be the perfect opportunity for him to take another DC job. Turned down USC and a couple other schools this carousel. Pretty positive he will be back with us next season.
@Indy Illini Fan
Good timing lol
Illinivek23
- Gurnee
If he does return, can his responsibilities be expanded? Or are there contractual limits to what he can do?
He would just continue doing what he is currently doing for us.
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- North Aurora
Thank you sirs! Great news! Getting more than 1 year of him is more than we expected. Really hope it works out!
MustangWally
- Mayfield
Which is what, exactly?
He’s an analyst
MustangWally
- Mayfield
Let me rephrase. What does he contribute to the team?
Lots of respect for him. I turned down several "promotions" because they would have meant significant travel and time away from the family. The fact that I got to coach my kids sports teams, go to virtually all of their games, see their concerts and plays and generally just be around is worth more than any money I would have received.
Analysis.
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
And more specifically…….
Studies; examines; investigates; and then makes recommendations……in various areas of football for BB and the program. /s
- Status