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Illinois fires defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after four games

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 2:41 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Illinois Fires Defensive Coordinator

Illinois fired defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after four games.
Head coach Bret Bielema said Hauck requested a meeting and they mutually agreed to part ways.
Illinois allowed 518 yards and 41 points in a 41-19 loss to Ohio State, ranking 101st in points allowed.
Bielema announced a new defensive coordinator will be named on Monday.

Summary

Patricia Defense Rankings

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s defense earned the nation’s #1 ranking in 2025.
Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. will direct Illinois’ offense against Ohio State on Sept 5 2026.
Barry Lunney Jr. turned tight end Cole Rusk into the primary passing target, catching five passes for 68 yards.
Matt Patricia uses complex pre-snap disguises and occasional blitzes to confuse Illinois quarterback Katin Houser.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 Illinois fired defensive coordinator Ron English after surrendering 540 yards in a 45-21 loss to Michigan, leaving the team 102nd nationally in points allowed. After a 518-yard, 41-point collapse to Ohio State in 2025, head coach Bret Bielema dismissed Bobby Hauck, who was hired on Feb 9 2026 and departed after a 42-19 loss on Sep 27 2026, highlighting continued defensive turmoil.

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Illinois Fires Defensive Coordinator

Illinois fired defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after four games.
Head coach Bret Bielema said Hauck requested a meeting and they mutually agreed to part ways.
Illinois allowed 518 yards and 41 points in a 41-19 loss to Ohio State, ranking 101st in points allowed.
Bielema announced a new defensive coordinator will be named on Monday.

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