Who’s the Ideal Candidate for Bret Bielema’s Next Defensive Coordinator?

The Fighting Illini football team is set to appoint a new defensive coordinator for the third time in six seasons. Aaron Henry recently accepted a position as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach at the University of Notre Dame. He was promoted to Illinois’ Defensive Coordinator after Ryan Walters transitioned to become the Head Coach at Purdue in 2023. Henry’s time with Illinois was criticized, particularly for a decline in the performance of the secondary, a unit he directly coached.

Who’s the Ideal Candidate for Bret Bielema’s Next Defensive Coordinator?

With Henry’s departure, Head Coach Brett Bielema faces a significant decision. He must weigh the benefits of hiring from within the staff against sourcing candidates from outside the program. Speculation suggests that the new coordinator may introduce a different defensive scheme, possibly leaning towards an external candidate.

Internal Candidates

• Archie McDaniel (40) – Currently a coach within the Illini program, McDaniel has 15 years of college coaching experience. He joined Illinois in 2023 after serving as Co-Defensive Coordinator at Texas State. During his tenure, he has developed notable talents such as Dylan Rosiek and Gabe Jacas.

While McDaniel has substantial experience, fans might have reservations about consecutive internal hires, preferring a fresh face to reenergize the defense.

External Candidates

• Justin Wilcox (49) – The former head coach at California, Wilcox has a robust resume as a defensive coordinator with stints at multiple universities including Boise State, Tennessee, USC, and Wisconsin. His defensive strategies were integral to Boise State’s successful run, and he offers strong leadership credentials that could stabilize Illinois’s defense.
• Mark Stoops (58) – With 29 years of coaching experience, Stoops led Kentucky’s football program for 13 years. He has extensive experience as a defensive backs coach and could potentially enhance the Illini’s defensive capabilities, leveraging his rapport with Bielema.
• Pete Kwiatkowski (59) – The former Texas Defensive Coordinator boasts 38 years in college football, known for developing players who succeed in the professional leagues. His experience and reputation suggest he could bring immediate respect and skill to the program.
• DeMarcus Covington (36) – Currently a Defensive Line Coach for the Green Bay Packers, Covington has previously worked under Bielema. His familiarity with the coaching staff and ability to connect with younger players make him an intriguing option, despite being a long shot.
• Kevin Richardson II (32) – Serving as a defensive assistant with the New England Patriots, Richardson has also played under Bielema at Arkansas. His recent roles at Illinois, including a defensive analyst and assistant defensive backs coach, give him a solid understanding of the program’s needs.

Conclusion

Bret Bielema’s decision regarding the next defensive coordinator is crucial for the future of Fighting Illini football. With a mix of internal and external candidates, he has several promising options. As the search unfolds, the new coordinator will face the challenge of revitalizing a defense that has seen recent struggles.