Significant developments this weekend on Illinois’ coaching staff.
First, special teams coordinator Robby Discher was reported to be heading to Ohio State.
And then on Sunday, CBS Sports reported that defensive coordinator Aaron Henry is expected to head to South Bend and join Marcus Freeman’s staff at Notre Dame.
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Matt Zenitz reports Henry will be co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Bret Bielema promoted Henry to DC for the 2023 season after joining Bielema in Champaign in 2021 as the defensive backs coach. Henry replaced Ryan Walters, who left after two seasons to lead Purdue as head coach.
Henry has faced his fair share of criticism the past two years for the defense’s performance, despite the Illini winning a program-record 19 games over that span.
No word yet on who Bielema will choose to replace Henry, but I’d expect that coach to currently be outside the program.
At this time, Barry Lunney Jr. is reported to still be returning in 2026.
