Illinois’ new defensive coordinator Aaron Henry had a lot to say during his media availability on Aug. 4, especially as he begins his first year as the head of the Illini defense. However, he spent the most time discussing the recent birth of twin daughters on July 30 and how much joy has been instilled in him since that date.

Henry spoke about how it all went down, starting at 3 a.m. when his wife’s water broke, and he had to rush to Carle Hospital. Henry chuckled as he described the chaotic aspect of driving to the local hospital.

“She made me call labor and delivery to let them know we were on the way to the hospital,” Henry said. “So, I turned on the hazard lights, and I have never run so many red lights in my life.”

Henry immediately talked about how much it meant to him that he was entering a new role, but making sure to specify in two different ways.

“Not only was (yesterday) my first fall camp as a defensive coordinator,” Henry said. “It was my first as a father.”

Coach Henry updated and said his wife is still in the hospital, the girls are as well and he has consistently made trips over to Carle Hospital after practices and meetings. He emphasized the change in his motivation since becoming a father just less than a week ago.

“My motivation has changed a little bit,” Henry said. “I was telling the guys on defense that my passion and drive have been altered, just from the standpoint that having kids. It seems absolutely unreal.”

Henry spoke about visiting the girls every night, as they are in the neonatal intensive care unit at Carle Hospital.

“I still can’t believe it,” Henry said. “The girls are in the NIC unit right now, so to go to the hospital every night and sit there and look at them, it’s life-changing. I thought I was a pretty motivated person, but being able to see, I can’t believe that they are here; hopefully, we will have them home sometime next week.”

Henry continued talking about his excitement about being a leader for his players and his little girls.

“I cannot describe how excited I am for the season,” Henry said. “It will be the first time I will be a defensive coordinator and a father. Not only do I get to lead these young men, but I’ve got two little girls to lead as well. When one of your players has a child, you wish them well and try to do what you can for them, it’s just different when you have one.”

Henry was also asked their names and explained the reasoning for each middle name. The first twin’s name is Harlow Madison and the second is Dakota Savoy.

“Madison is where me and my wife originally met,” Henry said. “Savoy is where we currently live, so that will be something they can hang on for the rest of their lives.”

Henry wrapped it up by answering a question about letting Harlow and Dakota have playdates with Jovianne Newton, the daughter of junior defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton, who spoke about his love for fatherhood at Big Ten Media Days.

“Eventually, for sure,” Henry said. “My wife loves Johnny, so absolutely one day.”

Similar to Newton, Henry’s joy was impossible to miss when he spoke about his daughters. Certainly, that joy and fatherhood is something for fans to embrace and learn from the young coordinator.

@arrosen76

[email protected]