Illinois announced Tuesday that it hired a new defensive ends coach and an assistant defensive backs coach.
Mike Linehan, the former defensive ends coach at Montana, takes the same role with Illinois. Linehan coached for three seasons at Montana under Bobby Hauck, who is now the defensive coordinator at Illinois.
Linehan helped Montana have one of the best defenses in the Big Sky in 2023. He also coached multiple players who went on to the NFL.
“His extensive football background and strong understanding of our defensive scheme aligns perfectly with our program,” wrote head coach Bret Bielema about Linehan to Fighting Illini Athletics. “He will work alongside Coach Thomas, who he has previous experience with, in coaching and developing our defensive ends and defensive line.”
Robby Hauck, the son of Bobby Hauck, joins the secondary staff. Defensive backs coach Corey Parker is sticking around in his same role, and Robby will work under him as the assistant defensive backs coach.
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Robby coached at Portland State for three years as a special teams assistant and coordinator. He also coached nickelbacks, tight ends and safeties in his three seasons.
As a player, Robby was a part of his father’s Montana team from 2018-2022. He was a highly decorated safety with three All-American selections in the FCS before beginning his coaching career in 2023.
“Coach Hauck brings valuable experience coordinating a special teams unit over the last two seasons and a deep knowledge of our defense to our Illini FamILLy,” Bielema wrote to Fighting Illini Athletics about the addition of Robby to his staff. “He was an accomplished player that understands how to execute within our scheme.”
Illinois continues to add depth to its coaching staff, hiring coaches who have experience with the scheme and the new defensive coordinator. The Illini have rebuilt their defensive staff, adding six new defensive coaches in the offseason.
The Illini also brought back a handful of talented players, including two defensive backs. Junior Matthew Bailey and senior Xavier Scott will be a big part of the defense next year. Both have a lot of experience and can help with the transition to a new scheme.
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