Hauck out as Illinois DC after 4 games

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.  — Former Montana Grizzlies coach Bobby Hauck has parted ways with Illinois just four games into his stint as defensive coordinator, Illini coach Bret Bielema announced Sunday.

Bielema had hired Hauck to replace Aaron Henry, who left to be co-defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. Hauck brought with him the 3-3-5 defense he ran at Montana, with mixed results. 

The Illini (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) lost 42-19 at Ohio State on Saturday and enter this week 100th nationally in scoring defense, 111th in total defense and 119th in pass defense.

Buckeyes star receiver Jeremiah Smith caught 12 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns against Illinois. In the post-game press conference, Bielema noted that at one point the Illini had nine players on the field on defense. 

“Any time you have a defense on the field with nine players — I can’t under stand it,” he said. “And we’ll make sure we get that moment corrected.

“That’s 100 percent on me to move forward. Really got to look at what we’re doing defenseively to make sure we’re not doing too much, and figure out what we can do to be good.” 

In his statement Bielema said, “Coach Hauck reached out to me early this morning and asked to meet ahead of our planned meeting time. 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.”

Bielema did not announce a successor to Hauck, who was hired less than a week after he announced his retirement from Montana in February. 

“As with any turnover, we have prepared for this moment and we have a play to move our program forward," he said. "We are communicating that plan internally to our staff and players today.” 

Hauck didn’t come to Illinois alone: Roger Cooper, Hauck’s co-defensive coordinator at UM, serves as inside linebackers coach for the Illini; Mike Linehan is the defensive ends coach after holding the same position for the Grizzlies and Robby Hauck is an assistant defensive backs coach, after spending the past three seasons at Portland State. 

“I enjoyed being a part of the staff here at Illinois and working alongside Coach Bielema every day,” Hauck said. “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.”

Illinois hosts Purdue on Saturday.