The University of Illinois has parted ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, head coach Bret Bielema announced Sunday.
The move comes just four games into Hauck’s tenure with the Fighting Illini and one day after Illinois suffered a 42-19 loss to No. 7 Ohio State in its Big Ten opener.
Hauck was hired in February after spending the previous eight seasons as the head coach at Montana. He was brought to Illinois to install an aggressive 3-3-5 defensive scheme.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Bielema, Hauck reached out Sunday morning and requested a meeting before the staff’s scheduled meeting time.
The two subsequently “mutually agreed” that a change in leadership was in the best interest of the defense, according to Bielema’s statement.
Illinois enters the change at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten play.
The Illini defense struggled during the opening month of the season, including allowing 31 points to Duke and 42 points to Ohio State.
Against Ohio State, Illinois allowed 462 yards of offense, including 367 passing yards from Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin and 217 receiving yards and four touchdowns from Jeremiah Smith.
📊 THE NUMBERS
• Illinois: 2-2 overall
• Big Ten: 0-1
• Hauck tenure: 4 games
• Defensive system: 3-3-5
• Ohio State: 42 points vs. Illinois
• Ohio State: 462 total yards allowed by Illinois
After four games the Illini defense was ranked 16th in the Big 10 in scoring defense ( 26.5 ppg), 16th in total defense ( 391.5 yards per game), 15th in rushing defense ( 136.0 ypg), last in pass defense ( 255.0 ypg), 16th in defensive efficiency ( 147.6) and last in sacks ( 3). Illinois also is 15th in interceptions with 2, however both of them were returned for touchdowns.
Illinois has not yet announced who will assume defensive play-calling responsibilities on an interim basis. Bielema said the program has a plan in place and is communicating it internally with coaches and players.
👀 WHAT’S NEXT?
Illinois now has a week to make adjustments before hosting Purdue on Saturday.
The Fighting Illini will have to make a defensive change in the middle of the season after Hauck’s brief four-game run in Champaign.
Hauck thanked Bielema, the players and staff in a statement and wished Illinois well moving forward.
Four games. One defensive coordinator. One major change in Champaign.
Illinois’ defense will now have a new voice heading into the heart of Big Ten play.
