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2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 39 THE COACHING STAFF HEAD FOOTBALL COACH , 1980 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Illinois Director of Athletics took a major step in elevating the Fighting Illini football in the national landscape with the hiring of longtime NFL coach Lovie Smith as head football coach on March 7, 2016. THE SMITH FILE Smith is the 25th head football coach at Illinois, and HOMETOWN the second to move directly from an NFL Big Sandy, position to the same in Champaign-Urbana. With Smith’s appointment to lead the Illini football team, he became the BIRTHDATE Illini’s first African-American head football coach. May 8, 1958 Smith completed his first season at Illinois in 2016 after FAMILY putting together a coaching staff with more NFL coaching Wife: MaryAnne experience than any other in . He hired two Sons: Mikal and wife Kristen, of the top coordinators in the country in former NFL All-Pro Matthew and wife Kathleen, Miles at and and wife Kara Louisville Garrick McGee to the same EDUCATION position. Illinois finished with a 3-9 overall record and a B.S., Tulsa, 1980 2-7 record in the Big Ten. The Illini had wins over Murray State, Rutgers, and Michigan State. PLAYING EXPERIENCE Tulsa, 1976-79 Smith returned to college football for the first time since 1996 after spending 19 years in the NFL, including 11 NFL HIGHLIGHTS years as a head coach. He owns an 89-87 (.506) career 2007 XLI record as an NFL head coach from 2004-2012 and 2014- 2001 Super Bowl XXXVI 2015 and went 3-3 in playoff games, including one trip to 2005 AP Coach of the Year the Super Bowl. He also has a Super Bowl appearance as 2010 NFC Championship Game the defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. 2006 NFC Championship Game 2010 NFC North Division Champions Smith spent two years as head coach of the Tampa Bay 2006 NFC North Division Champions Buccaneers (2014-15), where the Bucs improved from 2005 NFC North Division Champions two victories in 2014 to six wins in 2015 with rookie . BOWL EXPERIENCE 1996 Citrus Bowl Smith was the head coach of the Bears for 1994 Gator Bowl nine seasons from 2004-12 and amassed a record of 1994 Citrus Bowl 81-63 (.563) including three division titles, two NFC Championship Game appearances (2006, 2010) and a berth in Super Bowl XLI.

Smith and became the first two African- American head coaches to coach in the Super Bowl when they faced each other in Super Bowl XLI.

The AP Coach of the Year in 2005, Smith’s 81 wins with Chicago are the third-most in Bears history. Smith’s Bears featured one of the best defenses of the era, including All-Pro and , , and defensive end Julius Peppers.

40 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THETHE COACHING COACHING STAFF STAFF

Summer 2017 at Disney (left to right): Son Matthew, Summer 2017 at Disney (left to right): Grandson Noah, granddaughter Abrianna, son Mikal, granddaughter Maia, grandson Ford, daughter-in-law daughter-in-law Kristen, grandson Elijah (in stroller), granddaughter Sophia, daughter-in-law Kara, Kathleen, wife MaryAnne, grandson Jackson, Lovie. granddaughter Isabelle, son Miles, grandson Malachi, wife MaryAnne, Lovie.

Before taking over as Chicago’s head coach, Smith spent three seasons with St. Louis Rams as the assistant THE LOVIE SMITH FILE head coach/defensive coordinator (2003) and defensive coordinator (2001-02). COACHING EXPERIENCE 2016- Illinois Head Coach He helped the 2001 Rams to an appearance in Super 2014-15 Head Coach (8-24) Bowl XXXVI, falling to the . Smith’s 2004-12 Head Coach (81-63) defense held the New England offense to 267 yards and 2003 St. Louis Rams Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator 2001-02 St. Louis Rams Defensive Coordinator ten points. 1996-2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebackers Smith coached All-Pro linebacker and current Illinois 1995 Ohio State Defensive Backs 1993-94 Tennessee Defensive Backs defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson while an assistant 1992 Kentucky Linebackers in Tampa Bay (1996-2000), helping to create one of the 1988-1991 Arizona State Linebackers league’s most dominant defenses of the late 1990s and 1987 Wisconsin Linebackers early 2000s. Nickerson experienced immense success 1983-86 Tulsa Linebackers playing under Smith from 1996-99, earning a 1981-82 Cascia Hall Prep HS (Tulsa, OK) Asst. Coach/DB/WR birth in all four seasons, averaging 137 tackles per 1980 Big Sandy HS (Big Sandy, Texas) Defensive Coordinator season, adding eight forced and 5.5 sacks. LOVIE’S HEAD COACHING RECORD Smith spent his first 14 years as a collegiate coach, YEAR TEAM REG SEASON POSTSEASON HIGHLIGHTS working at Tulsa (1993-86), Wisconsin (1987), Arizona 2004 Chicago Bears 5-11 State (1988-1991), Kentucky (1992), Tennessee (1993- 2005 Chicago Bears 11-5 0-1 NFC North Champions, AP Coach of the Year 94), and Ohio State (1995). His last collegiate game was 2006 Chicago Bears 13-3 2-1 NFC Champions, NFC North Champions the 1996 Citrus Bowl (1995 season) with Ohio State and 2007 Chicago Bears 7-9 also has bowl experience in the 1994 Citrus Bowl and 2008 Chicago Bears 9-7 1994 Gator Bowl (1993 season) with Tennessee. 2009 Chicago Bears 7-9 A native of Big Sandy, Texas, Smith led the Big Sandy 2010 Chicago Bears 11-5 1-1 NFC North Champions Wildcats to three consecutive state championships in 2011 Chicago Bears 8-8 high school and was all-state as a defensive end and 2012 Chicago Bears 10-6 linebacker. He went on to play collegiately at the University 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-14 of Tulsa and was a two-time All-American and a three- 2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10 time All-Missouri Conference selection. NFL 11 SEASONS 89-87 3-3 1 SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE

Smith and his wife, MaryAnne, are the proud parents of YEAR TEAM OVERALL CONF. CONF. FINISH three children: Mikal, Matthew, and Miles. 2016 Illinois 3-9 2-7 6th (B1G West) COLLEGE 1 SEASON 3-9 2-7

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 41 THE COACHING STAFF

Smith spent 11 years as a head coach in the NFL, including nine with the Chicago Bears and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was named NFL Coach of the year with the Bears in 2005.

42 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF GARRICK McGEE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / OKLAHOMA, 1996 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

One of the nation’s top assistant coaches, Garrick McGee is Crouch. Lunt led the team in completions (127), passing in his second season at Illinois in 2017. McGee was named (8) and games played (8), Crouch was the leader Illinois’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in in efficiency rating (125.67), completion percentage (56.2) March 2016, joining the Fighting Illini from Louisville, where and quarterback rushing yards (176) during four games and he served as the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator third-string quarterback Jeff George Jr. was 38-of-94 passing THE McGEE FILE and quarterbacks coach for two seasons. for 470 yards and four touchdowns in five games.

HOMETOWN “My relationship with Garrick McGee goes back to when I McGee’s Louisville offense averaged 28.7 points per game Tulsa, Okla. recruited him to Arizona State, and have maintained that and 416.1 yards per game in 2015, a year after the Cardinals friendship as he has risen through the college ranks and scored 30+ points eight times and passed for 3,276 yards BIRTHDATE become one of the top offensive coaches in the nation,” said with McGee as offensive coordinator. He joined Bobby Petrino’s head coach Lovie Smith. “We are fortunate to have him run staff at Louisville after spending two seasons at UAB and four April 6, 1973 the Illini offense, and our fans should be excited, because at Arkansas, where he also worked under Petrino. we’ll showcase an exciting brand of football.” FAMILY McGee helped Arkansas to final rankings of No. 12 in Wife: Tiffany McGee’s relationship with Smith started when Smith recruited 2010 and No. 5 in 2011 during his two years as offensive Sons: Cameron, Grant McGee to Arizona State, where McGee played quarterback for coordinator for the Razorbacks. A year after leading Arkansas two seasons. The two stayed in contact as each climbed the to a 10-3 record and the school’s first BCS appearance in EDUCATION coaching ladder to prominent positions. program history in 2010, McGee turned the Razorbacks into B.S., Oklahoma, 1996 one of the most efficient offenses in the country in 2011. McGee has been a college assistant for 19 seasons, including Arkansas led the in total offense PLAYING EXPERIENCE stops at Langston (1996-98), Northern Iowa (1999), Toledo and ranked No. 29 nationally at 438.1 yards per game, while (2002), UNLV (2003), Northwestern (2004-07), Arkansas Arizona State, 1991-92 scoring 40+ points on six occasions. The Razorbacks finished (2008-11), UAB (2012-13) and Louisville (2014-15). He the year with a 29-16 win over No. 11 Kansas State in the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, 1993 has previously served as an offensive coordinator for three Cotton Bowl, before having three offensive players selected Oklahoma, 1994-95 programs (Northwestern, Arkansas, Louisville) and was the in the NFL Draft. head coach at UAB for two years (2012-13). He also spent two BOWL EXPERIENCE years in the NFL with the , where he was McGee was influential in the development of quarterback 2015 Music City Bowl a quality control assistant under Tom Coughlin from 2000-01. Ryan Mallet at Arkansas. The former Michigan transfer broke 2014 Belk Bowl 45 school records and was just the third SEC quarterback to 2011 Sugar Bowl Illinois went 3-9 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten during surpass 3,500 yards passing in consecutive seasons. 2010 Liberty Bowl McGee’s first year in Champaign. The offense featured 2008 Alamo Bowl breakout seasons from junior Malik Turner, Before departing Arkansas for the UAB head job, McGee was a 2005 Sun Bowl an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer, and junior finalist for the 2011 Broyles Award, presented to the nation’s running back Kendrick Foster. Turner finished sixth in the Big top assistant coach. 2002 Motor City Bowl Ten in receptions per game (4.4) and seventh in receiving touchdowns (6) during the regular season, while Foster was Prior to being hired at Arkansas, McGee spent four seasons third in the conference in yards per carry (5.71). (2004-07) at Northwestern, including the final two as offensive coordinator. Using the spread offense, McGee’s Illinois was forced to start three quarterbacks during the year 2007 offense led the Big Ten and was No. 11 in the nation after injuries to starter Wes Lunt and second-stringer Chayce in passing (307.9 yards per game), while leading the Big Ten and ranking No. 31 in total offense (427.7 yards per game). McGEE YEAR-BY-YEAR 2016- Illinois Offensive Coordinator/QBs McGee attended Booker T. Washington High in Tulsa and 2014-15 Louisville Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/QBs played for his father, the late Larry McGee. He played at Arizona State in 1991 and 1992 and went to Northeastern 2012-13 UAB Head Coach Oklahoma A&M in 1993 before transferring to Oklahoma. 2010-11 Arkansas Offensive Coordinator 2008-09 Arkansas Quarterbacks McGee earned a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma in 1996, 2006-07 Northwestern Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks where he played two seasons and ended his career fourth on 2004-05 Northwestern Wide Receiver/Punt Returns OU’s career passing yards list (2,449 yards). He was voted the Big Eight Newcomer of the Year by the league’s coaches 2003 UNLV Wide Receiver in 1994. 2002 Toledo Wide Receiver 2000-01 Jacksonville Jaguars Quality Control McGee and his wife, Tiffany, have two sons, Cameron, 6, and 1999 Northern Iowa Wide Receiver Grant, 5. 1996-98 Langston Assistant

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 43 THE COACHING STAFF HARDY NICKERSON DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR / LINEBACKERS CALIFORNIA, 1989 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Hardy Nickerson is in his second season as Illinois’ defensive tackles, one , one forced and one fumble coordinator after being hired in March 2016. Nickerson left recovery in an overtime win over Atlanta. the , where he was serving as linebackers coach, to join the Fighting Illini. Nickerson previously worked with Lovie Smith in Chicago (2007) as the Bears linebackers coach, helping linebacker Nickerson played 16 seasons in the NFL (1987-2002) for four Lance Briggs make the Pro Bowl that season. THE NICKERSON FILE teams before joining the pro football coaching ranks with the Chicago Bears in 2007 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prior to joining the Bears’ coaching staff, Nickerson worked as HOMETOWN in 2014-15. Lovie Smith was the head coach during both of a television analyst for NFL Europe in 2004 and as the color Compton, Calif. Nickerson’s coaching stops in the NFL, after the two built a analyst for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Radio Network in 2006. relationship when Smith was the linebackers’ coach while He also participated in the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship Program with the Bears during training camp in 2004. BIRTHDATE Nickerson starred at the position for the Buccaneers. Sept. 1, 1965 Nickerson’s first season in Champaign featured outstanding After leaving the Bears due to health issues within his seasons from senior defensive ends Carroll Phillips and family, Nickerson returned to coaching in 2009 as the FAMILY , while his son Hardy Nickerson led the team in linebackers’ coach at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, Wife: Amy tackles with 107. Phillips was named Illinois’ first All-Big Ten California. He coached the linebackers, including his son Son: Hardy first-team selection in five years after finishing the regular Hardy Nickerson, for one season before taking over as head Daughters: Ashleigh, Haleigh season ranked seventh in the nation in TFLs per game (1.7). coach for the next four years. Smoot, who was drafted in the third round by the Jacksonville EDUCATION Jaguars, added 15.0 TFLs as they combined for the second- A fifth-round draft pick (122nd overall) by the Steelers in the 1987 NFL Draft, Nickerson played for Pittsburgh (1987-92), B.A., sociology – California, 1989 most TFLs between teammates in the Big Ten and the Illini were 10th in the nation in team TFLs per game (7.9). Tampa Bay (1993-99), Jacksonville (2000-01) and Green Bay (2002). He was a second-team selection to the NFL 1990s PLAYING EXPERIENCE Smoot (third team) and Phillips were both All-Big Ten All-Decade team. California, 1983-86 performers under Nickerson, while sophomore linebacker Tre , 1987-92 Watson and the younger Nickerson were honorable mention During his 16-year playing career, Nickerson started 200 of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1993-99 picks. Young Hardy transferred from Cal, where he was third 225 career games played, totaling 1,867 tackles, 21 sacks Jacksonville Jaguars, 2000-01 in the Pac-12 in tackles in 2015, to finish his career with one and 12 . , 2002 season under his father. Nickerson started all 12 games and was fourth in the Big Ten in tackles per game (8.9). Nickerson’s long list of achievements as a player includes five trips to the Pro Bowl, four All-Pro selections and the Byron NFL HIGHLIGHTS “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year Award in 1998, given 1998 NFL Man of the Year Award The 2016 season was also a breakout year for junior cornerback Jaylen Dunlap, whose 11 PBUs tied for the 10th annually to one NFL player who exhibits excellence both on the 1990s NFL All-Decade second team most in an Illini single season. His seven PBUs Oct. 29-Nov. field and in the community. Five-time Pro Bowl selection 7 tied for the most in the nation during a two-game span in Four-time All-Pro selection the regular season. Nickerson experienced his most success playing under then 1987 fifth-round NFL Draft pick Buccaneers linebackers coach Lovie Smith from 1996-99, During his two seasons in Tampa Bay, Nickerson worked with earning a Pro Bowl berth in all four seasons, averaging 137 2016 Pro Bowler , who finished third in the NFL tackles per season, while adding eight forced fumbles and in total tackles in both 2014 (146) and 2015 (147). Rookie 5.5 sacks. had a breakout season under Nickerson, totaling 59 tackles and two interceptions. Alexander was A three-time team MVP during his career at the University of named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after totaling 11 California, Berkeley (1983-86), Nickerson tallied 501 tackles, still second on the school’s all-time list, eight interceptions and 4.5 sacks. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in NICKERSON YEAR-BY-YEAR sociology in 1989, and was inducted into the Cal Athletics 2016- Illinois Defensive Coordinator Hall of Fame in 2004. 2016 San Francisco 49ers Linebackers (January-March) 2014-15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebackers A native of Compton, California, Nickerson lettered in track and football at Verbum Dei High School in . He 2010-13 Bishop O’Dowd HS (Calif.) Head Coach and his wife, Amy, have three children, daughter Ashleigh 2009 Bishop O’Dowd HS (Calif.) Linebackers and twins – son, Hardy Jr., and daughter, Haleigh. All three 2007 Chicago Bears Linebackers children attended the University of California, Berkeley, where 2006 Buccaneer Radio Network the younger Hardy graduated with a degree in legal studies in 2016. Ashleigh graduated from Cal in 2013 and Haleigh 2004-05 NFL Europe color analyst graduated in 2015. 1987-2002 NFL Player

44 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF MIKE PHAIR RUN GAME COORDINATOR / DEFENSIVE LINE ARIZONA STATE, 1994 THIRD SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Mike Phair is in his third season at Illinois in 2017 after being Spence, accounted for 91.7 percent of the team’s total sacks - hired in February 2015. Phair came to Illinois following 13 second-highest in the league. He also coached Gerald McCoy, years in the NFL, including the seven previous seasons as an who was selected to the Pro Bowl and recorded 8.5 sacks. assistant coach. Phair joined the Buccaneers following three seasons with the THE PHAIR FILE The 2016 season featured outstanding performances from Chicago Bears (2011-13) as the defensive line coach, where he senior defensive ends Carroll Phillips and Dawuane Smoot, also worked under Smith. While with the Bears, Phair coached HOMETOWN as Phair served as defensive line coach. Phillips was named Pro Bowlers Julius Peppers (2011, 2012) and Mesa, Ariz. Illinois’ first All-Big Ten first-team selection in five years after (2012). His 2012 defense led the NFL with 44 takeaways. finishing the regular season ranked seventh in the nation in BIRTHDATE TFLs per game (1.7). Smoot, who was drafted in the third round Prior to joining Chicago, Phair spent six seasons with Seattle, Nov. 8, 1969 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, added 15.0 TFLs as they combined three as a coach (2008-10) and three as an area scout (2005- for the second-most TFLs between teammates in the Big Ten. 07), working with the team during its 2005 NFC Championship FAMILY season. Phair began his NFL coaching career in 2008 with Wife: Jen Phair also coached graduate transfer Gimel President, who Seattle as an assistant linebackers coach. In 2009, Phair Sons: Parker, Coleman came from Auburn, to his best season with 40 tackles, 12.5 became the assistant defensive line coach and in his last Daughters: Maisy, Ava TFLs and 4.5 sacks. The Illini were 10th in the nation in team season with Seattle (2010), Phair worked with the defensive EDUCATION TFLs per game (7.9) thanks in large part to the defensive line. line as the defensive assistant. B.A., sociology – Arizona State, 1994 Phair spent the 2015 season as the Fighting Illini’s co-defensive In his first stint with Buccaneers (2002-04), Phair spent time M.S., secondary education curriculum coordinator and defensive line coach. He guided the most in the front office as a college scout, including working with the and instruction – Arizona State, 2000 improved defense in the NCAA in total defense (-105.6) staff during the 2002 Super Bowl XXVII championship season. from 2014 and the sixth-most improved in scoring defense PLAYING EXPERIENCE (-10.7). Vital to the improvement was All-Big Ten honorable Before getting into the NFL ranks, Phair started his coaching Mesa Community College, 1988-89 mention defensive linemen Dawuane Smoot and , career as a graduate assistant (1999-2000) for his alma Arizona State, 1990-92 who was picked in the second round by the Oakland Raiders, mater, Arizona State, working with the defensive line and and Clayton Fejedelem, who led the Big Ten coaching Terrell Suggs, who earned All-America honors. After BOWL EXPERIENCE coaching at Arizona State, Phair went on to be the linebackers 2000 Aloha Bowl in tackles before being taken in the seventh round by the and special teams coach at Tiffin University (Tiffin, Ohio) in 1999 Aloha Bowl . 1989 Valley of the Sun Shrine Bowl 2001. Phair spent the 2014 season as assistant defensive line coach NFL HIGHLIGHTS with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he worked under head Phair played collegiately at Arizona State (1990-92), earning a 2002 Super Bowl Champions coach Lovie Smith and alongside linebackers coach Hardy starting spot at linebacker after joining the team as a walk- (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Nickerson, both who Phair was reunited with at Illinois. He on. At ASU, Phair played for linebackers coach Lovie Smith in 2005 NFC Champions helped coach a Buccaneers group that tallied 33 sacks, tied for 1990-91 and with current Illinois offensive coordinator Garrick () the fourth-most by any defensive line in the NFL in 2014. The McGee in 1991 and 1992, who was a quarterback for the Sun Buccaneers defensive line, which included former Illini Akeem Devils. Phair began his collegiate playing career with Mesa Community College (1988-89), where he was an all-conference PHAIR YEAR-BY-YEAR linebacker. 2016- Illinois Run Game Coordinator / Defensive Line 2015 Illinois Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Line Phair earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology at Arizona State 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Line Assistant in 1994 and a master’s in secondary education curriculum and 2011-13 Chicago Bears Defensive Line instruction from ASU in 2000. 2010 Seattle Seahawks Defensive Assistant Phair and his wife, Jen, have four children, Parker, Coleman, 2009 Seattle Seahawks Defensive Line Assistant Maisy and Ava. 2008 Seattle Seahawks Linebackers Assistant 2005-07 Seattle Seahawks Area Scout - West 2002-04 Tampa Bay Buccaneers College Scout 2001 Tiffin (Ohio) University Linebackers / Special Teams 1999-2000 Arizona State Defensive Line Graduate Assistant

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 45 THE COACHING STAFF BOB LIGASHESKY SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR / TIGHT ENDS INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1985 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Bob Ligashesky is in his second season as the Fighting Illini’s coordinator for Houston’s last three games of 2013 before special teams coordinator/tight ends coach in 2017 after taking the full-time position. being hired in March 2016. Ligashesky most recently served as the special teams coordinator for the . Prior to his arrival in Houston, Ligashesky’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers led the NFL with four blocked punts while he led THE LIGASHESKY FILE “Bob Ligashesky has been one of the outstanding special the special teams units. teams coaches in the nation for many years,” said head HOMETOWN coach Lovie Smith. “He brings in an incredible amount of Previously, Ligashesky coached the tight Pittsburgh, Penn. experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, and ends in 2010 before moving on to Oakland as a special earned a reputation as a terrific recruiter when he was at teams assistant in 2011. He spent three seasons with the BIRTHDATE Pittsburgh Steelers (2007-09), helping the Steelers win the June 2, 1962 Bowling Green and Pittsburgh prior to his career in the NFL.” Super Bowl in 2008 as special teams coordinator. FAMILY Ligashesky joined Lovie Smith’s staff that featured more Wife: Shelley years of NFL experience than any other in the country, Ligashesky made stops in St. Louis (2005-06) and Daughter: Sydney which includes 12 years of NFL coaching experience from Jacksonville (2004) in special teams positions following his Ligashesky. tenure at Pittsburgh (2000-03), where he was special teams EDUCATION coordinator and tight ends coach. He came to Bowling Green B.S., sports management – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1985 Ligashesky has 31 years of coaching experience, including (1991-99) to serve as linebackers coach after a two-year more than eight seasons as a special teams coordinator in stop at Kent State as the outside linebackers/special teams PLAYING EXPERIENCE the NFL. He spent the first 19 years of his coaching career coach. Ligashesky was promoted to assistant head coach/ Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in college football, most recently during a four-year stint at linebackers/special teams coach at Bowling Green for the 1981-84 Pittsburgh (2000-03), before coaching in the NFL for the past 1999 season before moving on to the NFL. BOWL EXPERIENCE 12 seasons. 2003 Continental Tire Bowl Ligashesky started his career with graduate assistant jobs 2002 Insight Bowl In his final season wtih Houston, Texans kicker Nick Novak at Wake Forest (1985) and Arizona State (1986-88). At ASU, 2001 Tangerine Bowl made 18 of 21 field goals and 29 of 31 extra points, and he crossed paths with Lovie Smith, who was the Sun Devils’ 2000 Insight.com Bowl punter Shane Lechler averaged 47.3 yards per punt under linebackers coach in 1988. 1992 Las Vegas Bowl Ligashesky. 1991 California Bowl The Pittsburgh area native graduated from Indiana University 1987 Freedom Bowl 1987 Rose Bowl Ligashesky helped Randy Bullock have the most successful of Pennsylvania, where he was a defensive back and three- year of his career in 2014, setting career-highs with 30 year letterman (1982-84). He graduated with a degree in NFL HIGHLIGHTS made field goals on 35 attempts, including a career-long sports management. Super Bowl XLIII Champions 55-yard field goal. Ligashesky was the interim special teams (Pittsburgh Steelers) Ligashesky and his wife, Shelley, have one daughter, Sydney, who was born in 2009. LIGASHESKY YEAR-BY-YEAR 2016- Illinois Special Teams Coordinator / Tight Ends 2014-15 Houston Texans Special Teams Coordinator 2013 Houston Texans Interim Special Teams Coordinator / Special Teams Asst. 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Special Teams Coordinator 2011 Oakland Raiders Special Teams Assistant 2010 Denver Broncos Tight Ends 2007-09 Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams Coordinator 2005-06 St. Louis Rams Special Teams Coordinator 2004 Jacksonville Jaguars Assistant Special Teams Coach 2000-03 Pittsburgh Special Teams Coordinator / Tight Ends 1999 Bowling Green Assistant Head Coach / Linebackers / Special Teams 1991-98 Bowling Green Linebackers / Special Teams 1989-90 Kent State Outside Linebackers / Special Teams 1986-88 Arizona State Graduate Assistant 1985 Wake Forest Graduate Assistant

46 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF DEFENSIVE BACKS / SAFETIES EAST TENNESSEE STATE, 1996 FIRST SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Donnie Abraham is in his first season on staff at the Abraham played at East Tennessee State University from University of Illinois after being hired as Fighting Illini 1991-95, earning first-team All-Southern Conference football’s safeties coach in February 2017. Abraham joined honors in 1995. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business the Illinois staff from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, management from ETSU in 1996 and was drafted in the third THE ABRAHAM FILE where he was defensive coordinator from 2015-16. round of the 1996 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay (71st overall). Abraham played nine seasons in the NFL as a cornerback, A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Abraham and his HOMETOWN including six in Tampa Bay (1996-2001) when Lovie Smith wife, Tunisia, were married in 1997. They have three children Orangeburg, S.C. was on the defensive staff (linebackers coach) and current Devin, Alivia and Micah. Devin is a safety for the University Illini defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson was wreaking of South Florida football team. BIRTHDATE havoc as a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Buccaneers. Abraham, Oct. 8, 1973 Smith and Nickerson were all together in Tampa Bay for four FAMILY seasons (1996-99). Abraham also spent three seasons with Wife: Tunisia the (2002-04), before retiring from the NFL. Sons: Devin, Micah Daughter: Alivia In nine total NFL seasons, Abraham played in 132 games, made 442 tackles, had 38 interceptions, 131 passes EDUCATION defended, three forced fumbles, two sacks and scored five B.S., business management – East touchdowns. He led the league in interceptions in 1999 with Tennessee State, 1996 seven, including two pick-sixes, and played in the 2000 Pro Bowl game. During the six seasons that Abraham was in PLAYING EXPERIENCE Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers went to the playoffs four times East Tennessee State, 1991-95 and won the NFC Central in 1999. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1996-2001 New York Jets, 2002-04 Following his nine-year NFL career, he turned to coaching, NFL HIGHLIGHTS mostly at the high school level – including stints at East 2000 Pro Bowl selection Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, Fla. (DB coach 2005-08, 1999 NFL interceptions leader (7) 2012), Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. (head coach 1996 third-round NFL Draft pick 2009-10), Clearwater High School in Clearwater, Fla. (head coach 2013-2014) and IMG Academy (2015-16).

Abraham also spent two seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm Arena League team, coaching defensive backs in 2011-12.

ABRAHAM YEAR-BY-YEAR 2017- Illinois Defensive Backs / Safeties 2015-16 IMG Academy (Fla.) Defensive Coordinator 2013-14 Clearwater HS (Fla.) Head Coach 2012 East Lake HS (Fla.) Defensive Backs Coach 2011-12 Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) Defensive Backs Coach 2009-10 Gibbs HS (Fla.) Head Coach 2005-08 East Lake HS (Fla.) Defensive Backs Coach 1996-2004 NFL Player

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 47 THE COACHING STAFF OFFENSIVE LINE ILLINOIS, 2001 THIRD SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Luke Butkus is in his second season on Lovie Smith’s staff at Butkus also made a stop as a quality control assistant with the University of Illinois in 2017. Butkus returned to his alma the Seattle Seahawks (2010-11), as he has spent eight of the mater as offensive line coach in 2016 under Smith. last nine seasons in the NFL.

Butkus was a two-time All-Big Ten selection for the Fighting Butkus had stints in the NFL as a player with San Diego in THE BUTKUS FILE Illini from 1997-2001, and served as a captain of the 2001 2003 and Chicago in 2002. He also played in NFL Europe with Big Ten championship squad that advanced to the Sugar the in 2004 and the Rhein Fire in 2003. HOMETOWN Bowl. Steger, Ill. Following his playing career, Butkus started in the coaching Butkus returned to Champaign in 2016 after spending three profession at Oregon as a graduate assistant in 2005 and BIRTHDATE seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an offensive line 2006. He helped the Ducks reach the 2005 Holiday Bowl and June 26, 1979 coach. 2006 Las Vegas Bowl.

FAMILY “The Butkus name is associated with the University of Butkus graduated from Illinois is 2001 with a degree in Wife: Nici Illinois and the game of football as a sign of excellence and speech communication. Sons: Benjamin, Byron, Bear toughness,” said head coach Lovie Smith when Butkus was Butkus and his wife, Nici, have three sons, Benjamin, Byron EDUCATION hired. “I’m very proud to be able to announce Luke Butkus and Bear. B.A., speech communication – as the first member of our coaching staff as coach of the Illinois, 2001 offensive line. I’ve known Luke since he was on our staff with the Chicago Bears, and have followed his career since. He PLAYING EXPERIENCE relates extremely well to the players he coaches and will play Illinois, 1997-2001 an important role in the growth of our program.” Chicago Bears, 2002 Rhein Fire (NFL Europe), 2003 Butkus, a native of Steger, Illinois, and graduate of Bloom San Diego Chargers, 2003 Township High School, is the nephew of former Illinois and Cologne Centurions (NFL Europe), 2004 Chicago Bears legend , who starred at Illinois from BOWL EXPERIENCE 1962-64. He followed in his uncle’s footsteps as a standout 2006 Las Vegas Bowl for the Illini, starting at center for three seasons and earning 2005 Holiday Bowl third-team All-America selection as a senior.

Butkus is working for Smith for the second time in his career. He was an offensive assistant/assistant offensive line coach for the Chicago Bears from 2007-09 while Smith was the head coach.

BUTKUS YEAR-BY-YEAR 2016- Illinois Offensive Line 2013-15 Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Line 2012 Illinois Offensive Line 2010-11 Seattle Seahawks Offensive Line Assistant 2007-09 Chicago Bears Offensive Line Assistant 2005-06 Oregon Graduate Assistant

48 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF ANDREW HAYES-STOKER WIDE RECEIVERS TEXAS CHRISTIAN, 2002 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Andrew Hayes-Stoker is in his second season at Illinois after Hayes-Stoker was key in the development of Tampa Bay wide being named wide receivers coach in March 2016 by head receiver Mike Evans, a first-round draft pick (No. 7 overall) coach Lovie Smith. Hayes-Stoker joined Smith’s staff that in 2014. Evans caught 142 passes for 2,257 yards and 15 had more combined years of NFL coaching experience than touchdowns in two seasons, including a franchise-record THE HAYES-STOKER FILE any other program in the nation. 12 catches during his rookie season. Evans and Vincent Jackson (1,002 receiving yards) became the first HOMETOWN Hayes-Stoker had previously worked under Smith with the Buccaneers teammates to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in Arlington, Texas Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a total of nine the same season in 2014. seasons, including five in coaching roles. BIRTHDATE In between Hayes-Stoker’s stints in the NFL under Smith, he Jan. 12, 1979 “Andrew Hayes-Stoker is one of the brightest young coaches spent the 2013 season at Florida International as the running in the game,” said Smith. “Since joining our staff with the backs coach. At FIU, Hayes-Stoker worked under former Illini EDUCATION Bears, I’ve seen him continue to learn the game and develop head coach Ron Turner. B.S., business administration – as a teacher. I know he’ll be outstanding in coaching our TCU, 2001 receivers and as a recruiter.” Hayes-Stoker also has collegiate coaching experience at M.S., education – TCU, 2003 Texas A&M, where he was an offensive quality control Hayes-Stoker helped Malik Turner become one of the top graduate assistant in 2005. He started his career in college PLAYING EXPERIENCE receivers in the Big Ten during his first year in Champaign. football as an admission counselor at his alma mater, TCU, TCU, 1998-2002 Turner, Illinois’ junior No. 1 target, was sixth in the Big in 2004. Ten in receptions per game (4.4) and seventh in receiving touchdowns (6) during the regular season. He increased his Hayes-Stoker was a running back at TCU and was named per game averages by over one catch and 22 yards year-over- to the Western Athletic Conference and Conference USA year with Hayes-Stoker’s arrival, despite the Illini having to all-academic teams, as well as All-America scholar honors. start three different quarterbacks throughout the year due to injuries. Hayes-Stoker was a star high school player out of Arlington (Texas) Lamar. As a senior, he was named the Fort Worth Hayes-Stoker joined the Fighting Illini staff from the Star-Telegram Offensive Player of the Year, Arlington Morning , where he was hired as Assistant to the News Offensive Player of the Year and District Most Valuable Head Coach on February 9. He worked as the wide receivers Player. He signed to play at Tulsa in 1997 before transferring coach for Tampa Bay for two seasons (2014-15) and has to TCU in 1998. eight years of coaching experience, including five seasons in the NFL. Hayes-Stoker graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in education from TCU. He is a native of Arlington, Texas.

HAYES-STOKER YEAR-BY-YEAR 2016- Illinois Wide Receivers 2016 Indianapolis Colts Assistant to the Head Coach (February-March) 2014-15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receivers 2013 Florida International Running Backs 2010-12 Chicago Bears Assistant Wide Receivers 2006-09 Chicago Bears Operations and Offensive Assistant 2005 Texas A&M Offensive Quality Control Graduate Assistant 2004 TCU Admission Counselor

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 49 THE COACHING STAFF THAD WARD RUNNING BACKS CENTRAL FLORIDA, 2001 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Thad Ward is in his second season as running backs coach at Ward went to NIU from Western Michigan in 2012. In one Illinois in 2017. Ward joined the Fighting Illini in March 2016 season with the Broncos, Ward developed wide receiver from Northern Illinois, where he coached wide receivers for Jaime Wilson into WMU’s No. 1 receiver on his way to the three seasons. MAC Freshman of the Year award. Wilson had 67 receptions THE WARD FILE for 792 yards and six touchdowns in his first year at Western “Thad Ward will bring a new level of energy to our program,” Michigan. said head coach Lovie Smith. “He has been successful at each HOMETOWN stop of his career, and is a proven recruiter. Thad has helped Prior to WMU, Ward spent one season at Gardner-Webb as the Tallahassee, Fla. develop several outstanding players along the way, and I’m wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator in 2011 after confident our current players will respond to his coaching in six seasons as the running backs coach at Western Illinois BIRTHDATE a positive way.” from 2005-10. He helped Western Illinois reach the FCS September 17, 1978 Playoffs and beat Coastal Carolina, 17-10, in the first round. In his first season with the Fighting Illini in 2016, Ward helped The Leathernecks fell to No. 1-seed Appalachian State, 42-14, FAMILY junior running back Kendrick Foster have a breakout year. Wife: Jocelyn in the quarterfinals. Foster finished the regular season ranked third in the Big Ten Son: Thaddaeus, Jr. in yards per carry (5.71) and seventh in all-purpose yards per Ward started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Daughters: Jayda, Journie game (110.7), both huge improvements from his sophomore Florida A&M and spent two years coaching EDUCATION season when he had just 15 carries in six games. Redshirt at Tallahassee Rickards High School from 2003-04. B.S., criminal justice – freshman Reggie Corbin also had a big season, finishing 14th Central Florida, 2001 in the nation in yards per carry among freshmen (6.08), the Ward played at Central Florida (1999-2001) and Coffeyville best mark by an Illini freshman since at least 2000. Community College (1997-98) following an All-State high PLAYING EXPERIENCE school career in Florida. Ward was an all-conference selection Coffeyville Community College, 1997-98 Ward helped Northern Illinois to a 31-11 record from 2013-15 at Coffeyville. He caught 43 passes for 446 yards with a Central Florida, 1999-2001 prior to his arrival in Champaign, including two trips to the touchdown as a senior at UCF, as the Golden Knights finished Poinsettia Bowl (2013, ‘15) and one appearance in the Boca 6-5 overall and 5-0 at home. BOWL EXPERIENCE Raton Bowl (2014). His success was highlighted by two-time 2015 Poinsettia Bowl Ward finished his bachelor’s degree at Central Florida in 2001. 2014 Boca Raton Bowl All-MAC honoree Da’Ron Brown’s selection by the in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Brown 2013 Poinsettia Bowl His wife, Jocelyn, have two daughters – Jayda and Journie – caught 68 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns to lead and one son, Thaddaeus, Jr. the Huskies to the 2014 MAC championship.

WARD YEAR-BY-YEAR 2016- Illinois Running Backs 2013-15 Northern Illinois Wide Receivers 2012 Western Michigan Wide Receivers 2011 Gardner-Webb Passing Game Coordinator / Wide Receivers 2005-10 Western Illinois Running Backs 2004 Tallahassee Rickards H.S. Interim head coach / Wide Receivers / Running Backs 2003 Tallahassee Rickards H.S. Wide Receivers / Running Backs 2002 Florida A&M Graduate Assistant

50 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF PAUL WILLIAMS DEFENSIVE BACKS / DELAWARE, 1996 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Paul Williams is in his 21st season of collegiate coaching Prior to Miami, Williams helped rebuild Western Michigan to in 2017. He was initially hired at Illinois on Jan. 2, 2016, seven wins in 2005 and eight wins in 2006 after the team by following five seasons as the defensive backs went 1-10 in 2004, the year prior to Williams and head coach at Miami (Fla.). Williams was retained at Illinois on coach Bill Cubit’s arrival. March 15, 2016, to serve as defensive backs coach for head THE WILLIAMS FILE coach Lovie Smith. During his six seasons at his alma mater, the , he coached the secondary (2001-04), wide HOMETOWN A native of Newark, Delaware, Williams had stops at receivers (1999-00) and special teams. He helped the Blue Newark, Del. Lafayette College, Penn, Delaware and Western Michigan Hens to a 15-1 record and the NCAA Division I-AA national before joining Al Golden’s staff at Temple in 2006 and championship in 2003. FAMILY followed Golden to Miami in 2011. Wife: Nicole Delaware cornerback Sidney Haugabrook was a four-time all- Sons: Austin, Jaxon In his first season in Champaign in 2016, Williams guided conference honoree and was named a first-team AFCA and Daughter: Leah junior cornerback Jaylen Dunlap to a breakout year. Dunlap Walter Camp All-American as a senior in 2004. Defensive had 11 PBUs to tie for the 10th most in an Illini single backs and Ricardo Walker; placekickers Brad EDUCATION season, including seven PBUs from Oct. 29-Nov. 7, which Shushman and Scott Collins; return specialist Brett Veach; B.S., physical education – tied for the most in the nation during a two-game span as well as punters Ryan Bleiler and Chris Steiner were all Delaware, 1996 during the regular season. Illinois’ 185.9 passing yards named to all-league teams under Williams. PLAYING EXPERIENCE allowed per game ranked 16th in the nation and third in Delaware, 1992-95 the Big Ten. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education studies from Delaware in 1996, lettering four years and BOWL EXPERIENCE Williams came to Illinois from Miami, where he helped the playing on two Yankee Conference championship teams. He 2015 Sun Bowl Hurricanes reach three straight bowl games from 2013-15, recorded 189 tackles, 27 pass breakups and 10 interceptions 2014 Independence Bowl including Miami’s first nine-win season in four years in for the Blue Hens. Williams set an NCAA I-AA playoff record 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl 2013. During the 2014 campaign, Miami’s secondary held with a 100-yard interception return against Hofstra in 1995. 2009 EagleBank Bowl opponents to under 200 yards per game (191.4), ranking 17th in the nation. Williams also ran track and set the Delaware record in the indoor 200 meters and won the 200 meters at the 1993 The move to Miami came after a successful run at Temple American East Outdoor Championships. that included a 17-7 record over his last two seasons. Temple won a program single-season record nine straight He got his start in college football as a defensive line games in 2009 and followed that with eight more wins in assistant at Lafayette in 1996. Williams was also a 2010. Defensive back Jaiquawn Jarrett was a All-MAC first secondary assistant and special teams coach at Penn team pick in both seasons before being selected in the from 1997-98 before moving back to his alma mater from second round of the NFL Draft by the . 1999-2004. Williams is married to the former Nicole Heileman.The WILLIAMS YEAR-BY-YEAR couple has a son, Austin, and twins Jaxon and Leah. 2016- Illinois Defensive Backs 2011-15 Miami (FL) Defensive Backs 2006-10 Temple Defensive Backs 2005 Western Michigan Safeties 2001-04 Delaware Secondary / Special Teams 1999-2000 Delaware Wide Receivers / Special Teams 1997-98 Pennsylvania Secondary Assistant / Special Teams 1996 Lafayette College Defensive Line Assistant

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 51 THE COACHING STAFF JOE FOTU DEFENSIVE GRADUATE ASSISTANT ILLINOIS, 2015 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Joe Fotu is in his second season on the Illinois staff in 2017 after spending two years as a player for the Fighting Illini. Fotu played in seven games in both 2014 and 2015. THE FOTU FILE Fotu, who was born in the Kingdom of Tonga, enrolled at Illinois in January 2014 and went on to earn his degree in HOMETOWN recreation, sport and tourism. He made 12 tackles during East Oakland, Calif. his two seasons in Champaign, including a career-best three tackles at Washington in 2014 and against Nebraska in 2015. EDUCATION B.A., recreation, sport and tourism – The East Oakland, California, native came to the Illini after Illinois, 2015 helping Laney Community College (Calif.) to an 8-3 record in 2013. He had 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in PLAYING EXPERIENCE 2013 and was ranked as the No. 11 junior college defensive Illinois, 2014-15 end in the nation by 247Sports.

ZACH GRANT OFFENSIVE GRADUATE ASSISTANT ILLINOIS, 2016 FIRST SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Former Illinois receiver Zach Grant is in his first season on Grant grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and starred at Rochester the Illinois staff in 2017 after finishing his career as a wide High School along with former Illini quarterback Wes Lunt. The receiver for the Fighting Illini. pair helped Rochester to IHSA Class 4A State Championships in 2010 and 2011. Grant set a state record for receiving yards THE GRANT FILE Grant had his best season with the Illini in 2016, when he was in a season (2,310) and had the second-most receptions in a second on the team in receptions (26) and third on the team season (131) as a senior. HOMETOWN in receiving yards (265). He had career highs in receptions Springfield, Ill. (8) and receiving yards (65) against Iowa and caught a Grant was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and touchdown against Minnesota. graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in EDUCATION recreation, sport and tourism in 2016. B.S., recreation, sport and tourism – Grant transferred to Illinois from Northern Illinois, where he Illinois, 2016 spent one semester after playing at St. Ambrose (NAIA) during his freshman season. He ranked in the top 10 nationally in PLAYING EXPERIENCE receiving yards (1,170), receptions (91) and touchdowns (16), St. Ambrose, 2012 the latter two both school records, while helping the Fighting Illinois, 2013-16 Bees to a 9-2 record in 2012.

52 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF SHANE TOUB OFFENSIVE GRADUATE ASSISTANT DAYTON, 2016 FIRST SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Shane Toub enters his first season on the Illinois staff in 2017 after finishing his playing career at Dayton last season.

Toub was the starting center on Dayton’s 2014, 2015 and THE TOUB FILE 2016 teams, playing in 44 games. He was voted team captain in 2016 and led the team to a 9-2 record, including ending HOMETOWN the season with seven straight wins. He was named the Gurnee, Ill. Stan Kurdziel Memorial Trophy winner for being the team’s top lineman after starting all 11 games. Toub was a PFL EDUCATION Academic Honor Roll honoree and a student representative for B.S., sports management – Dayton, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. 2016 Toub went to Dayton after earning a first team all-conference PLAYING EXPERIENCE selection and the team’s Most Valuable Lineman at Carmel Dayton, 2012-16 Catholic in 2011.

He is the son of Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator David Toub.

ROBERT WRIGHT DEFENSIVE GRADUATE ASSISTANT MIAMI (FLA.), 2015 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Robert Wright is in his second season as a defensive graduate assistant for the Fighting Illini in 2017. He came to Illinois from Miami (Florida), where he spent five seasons with the Hurricanes. THE WRIGHT FILE Wright spent 2015 as a special teams quality control analyst HOMETOWN following a two-year stint as a student assistant. He called St. Louis, Mo. Miami’s famous eight-lateral play on a kickoff to beat Duke on the final play of the game in 2015. EDUCATION B.A., economics – Miami, 2015 At Miami, he played for and worked with current Illinois defensive backs coach Paul Williams.

Miami went 23-16 and made three consecutive bowl appearances during Wright’s time working with the Hurricanes.

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 53 THE COACHING STAFF OFFENSIVE ANALYST ILLINOIS, 2012 THIRD SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Former Fighting Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase is in Illinois career leaders in almost every quarterback category, his third season on staff at Illinois in 2017. He was hired ranking first in starts (48), second in completion percentage in May 2015 as assistant director of football operations and (63.0), completions (775) and rushing yards by a QB (2,066), was promoted to running backs coach in August 2016 after and third in passing yardage (8,568), touchdown passes (55) THE SCHEELHAASE FILE Bill Cubit was named interim head coach. Head coach Lovie and passing efficiency (130.2). Smith retained Scheelhaase as an offensive analyst. Off the field, Scheelhaase was an unquestioned leader during HOMETOWN As a player from 2010-13, Scheelhaase finished his career his five years on campus. He earned the prestigious Big Ten Kansas City, Mo. as the Illini’s all-time total offense leader with 10,634 yards, Medal of Honor in 2014, was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten EDUCATION a total that ranks seventh in Big Ten history. In 2013 he had honoree and earned two degrees from the University of Illinois B.S., communication – Illinois, 2012 one of the best offensive seasons in Illinois football history, - a bachelor’s degree in communication (2012) and a master’s leading the conference in passing yardage (272.7 ypg), total in sports management (2013). He was a Student Athlete M.S., sports management – Illinois, offense (295.2 ypg) and completion percentage (66.7) during Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative, vice president of 2013 his senior campaign, while also breaking the school record for the UI Uplifting Athletes chapter and was active in Fellowship passing efficiency (140.7) to earn All-Big Ten honors. of Christian Athletes (FCA). After college, Scheelhaase spent PLAYING EXPERIENCE 2014-15 as a high school pastor at Southeast Christian Illinois, 2010-13 A four-year starter and two-time team captain, Scheelhaase Church in Louisville, Kentucky. is the only quarterback in UI history to lead the Illini to bowl FAMILY victories in back-to-back seasons and is one of just two Scheelhaase married his high school sweetheart, Morgan, in Wife: Morgan players in Big Ten history to amass over 8,000 passing yards July 2013. Their son, Cru, was born in April 2016. Son: Cru and 2,000 rushing yards in his career. He finished among the

CHARLIE DREWEK DEFENSIVE ANALYST WISCONSIN, 2011 // FOURTH SEASON AT ILLINOIS Charlie Drewek is in his fourth season at Illinois and second Drewek is the author of the “Complete Guide to Modern NFL as a defensive analyst in 2017. Drewek served as a player and NCAA Run Offenses.” personnel graduate assistant for the Fighting Illini in 2014 and 2015.

THE DREWEK FILE Drewek came to Illinois from Wisconsin, where he worked as a recruiting coordinator for three seasons. HOMETOWN Colgate, Wis. Previously, Drewek worked at Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart (Wis.), helping the Crusaders to the school EDUCATION record for wins and a trip to the state semifinals. B.S., Wisconsin, 2011

54 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF BRETT NELSON OFFENSIVE ANALYST LOUISVILLE, 2014 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Brett Nelson is in his second year on the Fighting Illini staff in 20 years. Nelson was one of the top pro-style quarterback 2017 and his first as an offensive analyst. Nelson spent 2016 recruits in the state of California. as an offensive graduate assistant. THE NELSON FILE Brett and his wife, Kaye, married in June 2016. Nelson joined Illinois from Lindenwood, where he spent 2015 HOMETOWN as a offensive quality control graduate assistant. Pasadena, Calif. The former Louisville quarterback played for current Illini FAMILY offensive coordinator Garrick McGee in 2014, when McGee Wife: Kaye was in the same role at Louisville.

EDUCATION Nelson primarily served as a backup quarterback for Louisville B.S., psychology – Louisville, 2014 teams that combined to go 21-5 during his two seasons (2013-14). PLAYING EXPERIENCE Louisville, 2013-14 Nelson transferred to Louisville from Southwestern Community College (Calif.). He led Southwestern to its first bowl game in

KINGSLEY OSEI-ASIBEY DEFENSIVE ANALYST GOVERNORS STATE, 2006 // SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS Kingsley Osei-Asibey is in his second season on the Illinois Osei-Asibey started his professional career as an IT manager staff in 2017 as a defensive analyst. He joined the Illini after for a private company. He completed his bachelor’s degree in six years of working in technology in the NFL. computer science at Governors State in 2006.

Osei-Asibey spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons with Lovie THE OSEI-ASIBEY FILE Smith and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a football technology specialist. He previously worked for the Chicago Bears from EDUCATION March 2010-April 2014 as a systems specialist. B.S., computer science – Governors State, 2006

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OPERATIONS / ADMINISTRATION TIM KNOX DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS HIRAM COLLEGE, 1997 SIXTH SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Tim Knox, the 2016 Football Scoop Operations Director of the A 1997 graduate of Hiram College, Knox lettered four years Year, is in his sixth season with the Fighting Illini program at cornerback for the Terriers, earning All-Ohio Athletic in 2017. In his current role, Knox oversees the day-to-day Conference Second-Team honors in 1995 and 1996, and operations of the football program while serving as a liaison honorable mention accolades in 1994. He was also a two-time to several groups in the athletics and university community. OAC All-Academic selection in 1995 and 1996. THE KNOX FILE Knox was promoted to Assistant AD, Football Operations from Director of Football Operations in 2016. As a Terrier, he also lettered as a member of the baseball team HOMETOWN in 1996 and 1997 and acted as a student assistant coach Bainbridge Township, Ohio His broad range of responsibilities includes the overall with the men’s basketball program for three years. management of the football budget, team travel, and bowl EDUCATION game coordination. Knox also works closely with members of A native of Bainbridge Township, Ohio, Knox is a 1993 B.A., history – Hiram College, 1997 the campus community including the faculty, housing and graduate of Kenston High School, where he earned eight dining, athletic academic advising. Other duties include game varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He earned M.A., sports administration – day management, community outreach, the coordination and a bachelor’s degree in history at Hiram and a master’s in Western Michigan, 1999 planning of team events related to the football program, sports administration from WMU in 1999. FAMILY including pro timing day, the annual team awards banquet and special projects. Knox’s father, Al, retired in May of 2013 after his 48th year of Wife: Danielle teaching in Northeast Ohio. He has taught students who have Son: Caleb Knox was named Football Scoops’ 2016 Operations Director gone onto great professional careers, namely movie star Halle Daughters: Langley, Kerrigan of the Year after a vote by the award’s previous winners. He Berry (Bedford HS) and LeBron James (St. Vincent-St. Mary was presented the honor at the annual AFCA Convention in HS) of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nashville. Knox and his wife, Danielle, reside in Mahomet. The couple Knox came to Illinois after 15 seasons with the Western has a son, Caleb, and two daughters, Langley and Kerrigan. Michigan football program, including three as a graduate assistant (1997-99), one season as running backs coach (2004) and 11 (2000-03, 2005-11) seasons as director of football operations.

Karianne Hawkins Shari Atwell Special Events Coordinator Football Office Manager

56 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF

RECRUITING STAFF JAMES KIRKLAND DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL DUKE, 1995 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Now in his second season at Illinois in 2017, Kirkland Kirkland earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy was promoted to Director of Player Personnel in spring from Duke University in 1995 and a master’s degree in 2017 after spending the 2016 season as a recruiting accounting and marketing from Georgia Tech in 2003. analyst on Lovie Smith’s first Fighting Illini staff. THE KIRKLAND FILE Prior to joining the Illinois staff, Kirkland spent several HOMETOWN seasons in the NFL in personnel and scouting. Kirkland Atlanta, Ga. most recently worked for the as a senior player personnel associate in 2014 and ‘15 and EDUCATION as a pro scout for the in 2013. B.S., philosophy – Duke, 1995 He got his NFL start as a volunteer scouting intern with M.S., accounting and marketing – Georgia Tech, 2003 the Falcons. Kirkland was hired by the Browns in 2004 as an area scout. He was later promoted to assistant PLAYING EXPERIENCE director of pro personnel in 2007. After six seasons in Duke, 1992-95 Cleveland, Kirkland worked with the Chicago Bears from 2010-12 as a pro scouting assistant, a pro scout and an area scout.

Pat Embleton Nathan McNeal Travis Perry Cameron Skelding Director of Football Director of Graphics / Social Media (Football) Recruiting Assistant Student-Athlete Development High School Relations

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 57 THE COACHING STAFF

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT TRE’ STALLINGS DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MISSISSIPPI, 2005 FIRST SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Tre’ Stallings is in his first season at Illinois in 2017, Stallings finished his career at Ole Mis with 48 serving as the director of football player development. consecutive starts, all 48 games of his career, which He joined the Fighting Illini from the Tennessee Titans, tied him with Marcus Johnson for the program record where he worked as the director of player engagement for career starts. THE STALLINGS FILE for three years. He served as captain of the Rebels as a senior in 2005 HOMETOWN With the Titans, Stallings oversaw the team’s and helped Mississippi win the 2003 Cotton Bowl by Magnolia, Miss. educational efforts in players’ off-field matters. He protecting quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Eli helped players in aspects such as managing finances, Manning. Ole Miss finished the 2003 season ranked No. EDUCATION development of life skills and the transition to life after 13 in the nation. B.S., mathematics – Mississippi, football. 2005 A former All-SEC offensive lineman at Mississippi, FAMILY Stallings was drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 Wife: Kimblee NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He had stints in Son: CJ the NFL for parts of four seasons with the Chiefs and Daughters: Kaylee, Kierstan . PLAYING EXPERIENCE Mississippi, 2001-05 Kansas City Chiefs, 2006-07 Baltimore Ravens, 2008-09

58 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING JOEY BOESE HEAD FOOTBALL STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH WISCONSIN, 2002 SECOND SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Joey Boese is in his second season as the head football Boese also worked as the head strength and conditioning strength and conditioning coach at the University of coach for the Texas A&M baseball team from August Illinois in 2017. He joined Lovie Smith’s staff in March 2009-July 2011, helping the Aggies reach the 2011 2016 after four seasons as the head strength and College World Series. THE BOESE FILE conditioning coach for the Fresno State football team. The Southern California native was a two-year starter HOMETOWN Boese was instrumental in helping Fresno State win and four-year letterwinner as a defensive back for Irvine, Calif. back-to-back conference titles in his first two seasons Wisconsin from 1998-2001. He was a part of one with the Bulldogs, the first time the program had Sun Bowl and back-to-back Rose Bowl championship EDUCATION completed the feat since 1992-93. In his first three squads and was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten B.A., communication – Wisconsin, seasons at Fresno State, Boese helped develop 14 first- selection. Boese continued his playing career in the 2002 team All-Mountain West selections and six NFL draft League for the Calgary Stampeders M.S., health, physical education & picks, including two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Derek from 2003-2006. recreation – Emporia State, 2008 Carr. Fresno State’s most success came in 2013, Boese’s second year with the program, when the Bulldogs tied Boese earned his bachelor’s degree in communication FAMILY the program record for wins (11) and reached as high arts from Wisconsin in 2002 and finished his master’s Wife: Aimee as No. 13 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. of science in health, physical education and recreation Sons: Sam, Ben, Max at Emporia State in 2008. He is a certified strength and Prior to Fresno State, Boese was the first assistant conditioning specialist (CSCS) and a member of the PLAYING EXPERIENCE strength and conditioning coach for the Texas A&M National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Wisconsin, 1998-2001 Calgary Stampeders (CFL), 2003-06 football team from 2008-2011. During his time with and Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches the Aggies, Boese coached seven future first-round NFL Association (CSCCA). draft picks, including NFL Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.

Marco Candido Willie Jones Brian Burton Garrett Swanson Associate Strength & Conditioning Associate Strength & Conditioning Assistant Strength & Conditioning Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Coach Coach Coach

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 59 THE COACHING STAFF

ATHLETIC TRAINING JEREMY BUSCH HEAD FOOTBALL ATHLETIC TRAINER IOWA, 2002 THIRD SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Jeremy Busch is in his third season as Head Football Busch was a graduate assistant athletic trainer with Athletic Trainer at the University of Illinois in 2017. He the University of Minnesota football program and is responsible for managing all the healthcare needs of worked as an undergraduate at the University of Iowa the Illinois football team. Busch supervises a staff of with its football and men’s basketball programs. THE BUSCH FILE three certified and licensed athletic trainers with the Illini football team. Originally, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Busch graduated HOMETOWN from Iowa with a bachelor’s degree of science in athletic Cedar Rapids, Iowa Previously, Busch served as the head football athletic training in 2002. He graduated from Minnesota with a trainer for Texas Tech University in 2014. He spent the master’s degree in sports management in 2005. EDUCATION previous two years at the University of Nebraska, as B.S., athletic training – Iowa, 2002 the assistant football athletic trainer/rehabilitation Busch is married to the former Peggy Manning, and the couple has twins, Emma and Landon. M.S., sports management – coordinator assisting with the year-round preventive Minnesota, 2005 care, immediate care for injured student-athletes at practice and games and reconditioning of injured FAMILY athletes. Wife: Peggy Son: Landon Prior to his stint at Nebraska, Busch was the assistant Daughter: Emma athletic trainer at Colorado State University from 2006- 12 with the football program. He spent 2005 working for Indiana University as an intern assistant football athletic trainer and was an athletic training intern for the .

Billy Langston Chase Louthan Ashley Strazdas Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Athletic Training Graduate Assistant

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FOOTBALL VIDEO ALEX BENIZZI DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL VIDEO ALABAMA, 2010 FOURTH SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Alex Benizzi is in his fourth season as director of Benizzi graduated from the University of Alabama in football video in 2017 and fourth year overall at Illinois 2010 with a bachelor of arts in communication and after serving as assistant video coordinator for the Illini information sciences. He also earned his master’s during the 2014 season. degree in marketing from Alabama in 2012. THE BENIZZI FILE During his time as assistant video coordinator, he HOMETOWN assisted the coaching staff with various video requests, Jacksonville, Fla. managed iPad updates and distribution to student- athletes, and aided with recruiting visits. He also EDUCATION oversaw all video and photo production. B.A., communication and information sciences – Alabama, 2010 Prior to joining the Fighting Illini, Benizzi worked as M.S., marketing – Alabama, 2012 a production assistant for Crimson Tide Productions. He composed videos for athletic awards and season highlights along with logging video clips and filming special events and press conferences.

While in Tuscaloosa, he also worked as a freelance videographer for the SEC Digital Network, a graduate assistant in Video Services and the Creative Director for “Contrarian Marketing.”

Chad Wells Assistant Video Coordinator

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 61 THE COACHING STAFF

FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT TRENT CHESNUT HEAD FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT MANAGER SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, 1990 18TH SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Trent Chesnut is in his 18th season with the Fighting Chesnut earned a bachelor of science degree in business Illini in 2017 as the head football equipment manager, administration from Southern Illinois University in handling all of the day-to-day aspects of the football 1990. He has been an active and certified member of program, including purchasing, maintenance, AEMA since 1992 and also is a member of the Schutt THE CHESNUT FILE organization and management of the student assistant Athletic Council. program. HOMETOWN A native of Hoopeston, Ill., Chesnut has one son, Jake, Hoopeston, Ill. Chesnut is responsible for all home games and practice who graduated from Illinois in 2016. set-up, tear down and storage of equipment as well EDUCATION as assigning and managing team and official locker Chesnut married the former Janet Johnson in 2017. B.S., business administration – rooms, chain gangs and game-day ball crews. Southern Illinois, 1990 Prior to returning to his home state of Illinois, Chesnut FAMILY Wife: Janet was the head equipment coordinator at the University Son: Jake of Nevada for eight years and worked for three seasons as the UNLV assistant equipment manager. During his time at Nevada, he was responsible for the football and baseball programs as well as overseeing the entire athletic equipment department.

John Birdsell Clint Miller Assistant Equipment Manager Assistant Equipment Manager

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NUTRITION BRITTANY FRANCIS DIRECTOR OF SPORTS NUTRITION MINNESOTA, 2010 FIRST SEASON AT ILLINOIS

Brittany Francis joined Illinois as Director of Sports Francis graduated with a degree in business and Nutrition in January 2017. Francis oversees the nutrition marketing education and a minor in nutrition in 2010. program for all 19 sports. She completed a dietetic internship and earned her master’s of science in nutrition in 2014. THE FRANCIS FILE The sports nutrition program provides individual nutrition counseling that focuses on performance Brittany was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, HOMETOWN fueling strategies, hydration, proper supplementation, Canada. She is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Thunder Bay, Ontario team nutrition education sessions, on-site and travel Specialist in Sports Dietetics and an active member meal management, body composition analysis, and of CPSDA, the Collegiate and Professional Sports EDUCATION eating disorder prevention and counseling, to all Dietitians Association. B.S., business and marketing athletes. education – Minnesota, 2010

M.S., nutrition – Minnesota, 2014 Previously, Brittany worked for the University of Minnesota football staff for three years, as their first FAMILY full-time Sports Dietitian. There, she was responsible Husband: Travis Perry for creating and implementing a comprehensive sports nutrition program geared towards improving health, well-being, training, performance and recovery of their athletes.

Brittany was a Big Ten athlete at the University of Minnesota and was a four-year hockey letter winner for the Gophers. She captained the team from 2009-10.

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FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF

Dr. Robert Bane Stephen Dunn Jason Heggemeyer Warren Hood Mike Mazierz Team Orthopedic Intern, Offense Ticketing and Sales & Deputy Director of Athletics Football Academic Counselor Customer Service

Howard Milton Derryl Myles Justin Neally D.J. Roach Holly Stalcup Director of Development Director of Video Services FCA Video Services (Football) Event Management

Carla Suber Sabrina Thiel Matthew Wheeler Annie White Dr. Jerrad Zimmerman Learning Specialist Director of Marketing & Faculty Advisor Assistant Director for Team Physician Fan Development Academic Services (Football)

2017-18 ATHLETIC BOARD Alumni Members Faculty Members Faculty Athletic Student Members Ex-Officio Members Jeanne Bauer James Anderson Representatives Brianna Franklin Mike Bass Paul Hunt Kelly Bost Christopher Span Dana Gattone Mike DeLorenzo Anne Perry Kathryn Clancy Matthew Wheeler Steven Singer Josh Whitman David Williams Paul Heald Michael LeRoy Michael Raycraft Antonio Sotomayor

64 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF JOSH WHITMAN DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS ILLINOIS, 2001 SECOND YEAR AT ILLINOIS

Illinois alumnus Josh Whitman was hired as the University’s 14th to providing a first-class student-athlete experience, as evidenced through permanent director of athletics on February 17, 2016. At the time of his his efforts to connect personally with the Fighting Illini student-athletes hiring, Whitman, then 37 years old, was the youngest athletics director in on a regular basis and his frequent attendance at teams’ practices and the Autonomy 5. In a relatively short time, Whitman’s “We Will Win” mantra competitions. and message of unity, optimism, and bold action have rekindled the fire in the hearts of Illini fans everywhere. Illinois finished 35th in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings for 2016- 17, Whitman’s first full year at the helm, with seven teams finishing Whitman has formulated an aggressive agenda since his hiring, including their seasons ranked in the Top 25 nationally. The Illini men’s golf and launching the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame and planning for a gymnastics teams finished third and fourth, respectively, in the final new $79.2 million football performance center. He has hired six new NCAA rankings. In addition, the men’s golf program captured the Big Ten head coaches, including iconic football coach Lovie Smith, who led the championship. Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XLI; Brad Underwood, who has won more than 80 percent of his games in four years as a Division I head coach; Whitman, a former Academic All-American at Illinois, emphasizes the and, women’s basketball coach Nancy Fahey, who arrives in Champaign- academic performance of the Fighting Illini student-athletes. In 2016-17, Urbana having already been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of the student-athletes posted a cumulative GPA of 3.21, with the football Fame. Whitman also restructured the Illinois men’s and women’s indoor and men’s basketball programs leading the conference in the total number and outdoor track and field and cross country programs, bringing those six of Academic All-Big Ten honorees. programs under a single, unified coaching structure. Prior to coming to Illinois, the 38-year-old Whitman spent nearly six years Externally, Whitman spearheaded efforts during his first year that as an athletics director at two universities. He came to Champaign-Urbana culminated in a 27.3 percent increase in DIA fundraising. He has been a following almost two years as director of athletics at Washington University visible presence and frequent speaker at Illini events across the country. in St. Louis, a nationally recognized NCAA Division III program with 19 Internally, Whitman reorganized the department’s leadership structure and varsity sports and approximately 500 student-athletes. During Whitman’s created the Committee on Diversity and Inclusivity. Whitman is committed tenure, the program posted seven top-five NCAA finishes, a combined GPA

During his first year on the job, Whitman launched the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame and celebrated the 28-person inaugural class with a black-tie Gala in Chicago in June 2017.

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 65 THE COACHING STAFF

Whitman made a big splash right off the bat, hiring Lovie Smith as head football coach just days after officially taking over as Director of Athletics at Illinois. of 3.35, and a graduation rate of 99 percent. Before joining Washington University, Whitman served as the director of athletics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, another of the nation’s leading Division III programs. Combined at those two institutions, Whitman’s teams earned four national titles and 24 top-five team finishes, plus 34 conference championships.

Whitman has two Illinois degrees. He graduated with Bronze Tablet honors in 2001 while earning a bachelor’s degree in finance. In 2008, he graduated summa cum laude from the Illinois College of Law before serving as a judicial law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. While attending law school, he worked for former Illini athletics director Ron Guenther in various administrative capacities within the Illinois athletics department. Whitman played for the Fighting Illini from 1997-2000. On the gridiron for the Fighting Illini, Whitman was a four-year starting tight end from 1997-2000 and two-time First Team Academic All- ILLINOIS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR HISTORY American. He then spent parts of four seasons as a player in the National 1892-94 Edward K. Hall Football League, including stints with the San Diego Chargers, Miami 1894-95 Fred D. Dodge Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and . 1895-98 Henry H. Everett 1898-1901 Jacob K. Shell Prior to embarking on his career in athletics administration, Whitman 1901-36 George A. Huff practiced law in Washington, D.C., with Covington & Burling LLP, a firm 1936-41 Wendell S. Wilson with a preeminent sports practice that represents, among other clients, 1941-66 Douglas R. Mills the . 1966-67 Leslie Bryan (interim) 1967-72 E.E. (Gene) Vance Whitman grew up in West Lafayette, Ind., and is married to Hope 1972 Charles E. Flynn (interim) Whitman. Their daughter, Tate, was born in 2016. He remains a licensed 1972-79 Cecil N. Coleman attorney and is a member of the National Association of Collegiate 1979 (interim) 1980-88 Neale R. Stoner Directors of Athletics. In July, 2017, Whitman was named Central Illinois 1988 Ronald E. Guenther (interim) Business Magazine’s Forty Under 40 Man of the Year. The Whitmans have 1988 Dr. Karol A. Kahrs (interim) become engaged in several Champaign-Urbana community organizations, 1988-91 including Coaches vs. Cancer, the Tom Jones Challenger League and 1991-92 Robert Todd (interim) Habitat for Humanity. 1992-2011 Ronald E. Guenther 2011-15 Michael J. Thomas 2015-16 Paul Kowalczyk (interim) 2016- Josh Whitman

66 // FIGHTING ILLINI FOOTBALL // FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // @ILLINIFOOTBALL // #ILLINI THE COACHING STAFF TIMOTHY L. KILLEEN PRESIDENT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS THIRD YEAR AT ILLINOIS

Timothy L. (Tim) Killeen took office as the 20th president of the University Prior to joining the U of I System, Killeen served as vice chancellor for of Illinois on May 18, 2015. In this role, he serves as the chief executive research and president of the Research Foundation at the State University officer of the U of I System, with universities in Urbana-Champaign, of New York. He also has served as assistant director for the geosciences Chicago and Springfield, and regional campuses in Peoria, Rockford and at the National Science Foundation, and as director and senior scientist the Quad Cities. for the National Center for Atmospheric Research. He spent more than 20 years as a faculty member and researcher at the University of Michigan. A Killeen has dedicated his presidency to students, promoting academic leading researcher in geophysics and space sciences, Killeen was elected excellence, access and affordability. Enrollment grew to a record 80,000- to the National Academy of Engineering in 2007. plus students last fall, and in-state freshmen will see no tuition increase this fall for the third straight year despite a state budget impasse that He received his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. at University College London, reduced university funding. Killen has been a frequent visitor to the state where he earned his doctoral degree in atomic and molecular physics. He Capitol to advocate for financial support, and has led internal streamlining is a U.S. citizen and a native of Wales. efforts that have channeled resources toward student programs. Killeen’s wife, Roberta M. Johnson, was executive director of the National He is a champion for the critical role that public higher education plays in Earth Science Teachers Association and a clinical professor in the securing a healthy future for Illinois and the Midwest, and serves on the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the State board of directors of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition. He meets University of New York at Albany. They have three children and reside in regularly with corporate leaders, national funding agencies and donors to Urbana. ensure support for the U of I System.

Killeen also led a System-wide planning initiative that resulted in a 2017-18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Strategic Framework that will chart the U of I’s path to the future and Governor Bruce Rauner, ex officio James D. Montgomery optimize impact for the public good. Ramon Cepeda Jill B. Smart Donald Edwards Trayshawn Mitchell, UIUC student Patrick J. Fitzgerald Karina Reyes, UIC student Timothy Koritz (Chair) Edwin Robles, UIS student Edward L. McMillan

2017 ILLINOIS FOOTBALL RECORD BOOK // 67 THE COACHING STAFF ROBERT J. JONES CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN SECOND YEAR AT ILLINOIS

Robert J. Jones became chancellor at the University of Illinois at Urbana- During his tenure at Albany, Jones launched that university’s largest and Champaign on September 26, 2016. Jones, who served as president of the most strategic academic expansion in 50 years, including establishment of University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY) since 2013, is an the nation’s first integrated College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland experienced and accomplished scientist and research university leader. Security and Cybersecurity. He created the university’s first College of He is the first African-American scholar to serve as chancellor at Illinois. Engineering and Applied Sciences, nurtured a deep academic affiliation with historic Albany Law School, established the UAlbany’s first vice A Georgia native, Jones, 65, earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy presidency for health sciences and biomedical initiatives, and has started from Fort Valley State College, a master’s degree in crop physiology from the conversation about reinvigorating the arts and humanities. the University of Georgia, and a doctorate in crop physiology from the , Columbia. He began his academic career as a Throughout his distinguished career at the University of Minnesota System faculty member at Minnesota and became an internationally respected and on the Twin Cities campus, Jones held several progressively responsible authority on plant physiology. He is a fellow of the American Society of positions. While senior vice president for academic administration, Jones Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. had administrative and budgetary responsibilities for public engagement initiatives central to the academic mission of the University including Jones’ tenured faculty home at Illinois is in the Department of Crop Minnesota’s Extension Service and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Stations. He played a leadership role in establishing a new four-year (ACES). campus in Rochester and established the University’s first urban research and outreach/engagement center designed to help address challenges in Jones’ leadership of one of the SUNY system’s top research universities an economically depressed urban community. followed a 34-year career at the University of Minnesota, where he began as a plant physiologist in the department of agronomy and plant genetics Jones is married to Dr. Lynn Hassan Jones, a diagnostic radiologist. and rose through a series of academic administrative appointments, Together they have five children and two grandchildren. serving as senior vice president for academic administration at the University of Minnesota System from 2004 to 2013.

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