Big Ten program announces defensive coordinator change after only 4 games
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
After a woeful defensive performance against Ohio State, Bret Bielema is making some changes to his coaching staff at Illinois.
Former Montana head coach Bobby Hauck, who retired in February before being hired as the Illini’s defensive coordinator five days later, is out after just four games. Bielema made the announcement of Hauck’s departure a day after a 42-19 loss to the Buckeyes.
“We met and mutually agreed that a change in leadership was in the best interests of our defense,” Bielema said in a statement. “Coach Hauck agreed this is the best path forward for our staff, and most importantly, our student-athletes, at this time.”
The Illini gave up 518 yards of total offense on Saturday as Jeremiah Smith carved up the secondary, recording 12 catches for 217 yards and tying a program record with four touchdowns to strengthen his Heisman Trophy case. The Buckeyes were 8-of-12 on third down.
Illinois’ defensive struggles were on display even during its season-opening win against UAB. Despite a 42-23 victory, the Illini gave up 419 yards and 194 rushing yards. The Blazers were also 10-of-19 on third down and held the ball for over 41 minutes. A week later against Duke, Illinois yielded 170 yards on the ground in a 31-27 loss.
The Illini bounced back with a blowout of FCS Southern Illinois, but a heavy loss at Ohio State spelled the end of Hauck’s brief tenure. In two separate stints at Montana, he was a combined 151-43 and led the Grizzlies to four FCS national championship games. He was also the head coach in the FBS ranks at UNLV from 2010 to 2014, where he went 15-49.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
