Illinois has fired defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after just four games with the program, Illini head coach Bret Bielema announced in a Sunday statement.
“Coach Hauck reached out to me early this morning and asked to meet ahead of our planned meeting time,” Bielema said. “We met and mutually agreed that a change in leadership was in the best interests of our defense. Coach Hauck and I agreed this is the best path forward for our staff, and most importantly, our student-athletes, at this time.
“I would like to thank Bobby for his work with our program. As with any turnover, we have prepared for this moment and we have a plan to move our program forward. We are communicating that plan internally to our staff and players today.”
The mutual parting of ways comes after Illinois fell 41-19 to Ohio State on Saturday. The Illini defense allowed 518 yards of total offense to the Buckeyes in the loss.
Additionally, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had a career-high 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns, as the Illinois secondary seemingly had no answers for the Buckeyes’ star receiver.
After four games, Illinois scoring defense ranked just 101st in the FBS, allowing 26.5 points per game, while its 391 yards allowed per game are 111th. Of the 18 Big Ten schools, only Purdue ranks lower than Illinois in both categories, while Rutgers ranks lower in scoring defense. Its 255 passing yards allowed per game was the worst mark in the Big Ten.
“I enjoyed being a part of the staff here at Illinois and working alongside Coach Bielema every day,” Hauck said in a statement. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity to be here and thankful for all of the hard work from the players, coaches, and staff. I wish Illinois the best of luck.”
Before joining Illinois, Hauck spent eight years as Montana’s head coach, compiling a 151-43 record that included a conference championship and an FCS national championship appearance in 2023, when the Grizzlies finished 13-2.
According to ESPN, Bielema is expected to announce Illinois’ new defensive coordinator on Monday.
