NEWS: According to Matt Zeitz of 247 Sports, and Joey Wagner of Illini Inquirer, Illinois Football Outside linebackers coach Clint Sintim is departing for Colorado State after just one season in Champaign.
The former Virginia Cavalier All-American Linebacker has taken an Inside linebacker’s position at CSU, for former Nevada head coach Jay Norvell.
Luckily for Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini, turnover from the staff has been extremely minimal thus far. In fact, Sintim is the only position coach who has left the program since the 2024 season ended at the Citrus Bowl.
Certainly, staff retention is extremely important as Illinois looks to continue establishing deep-rooted connections on the recruiting trail. Bielema and AD Josh Whitman have this trend going in the right direction, but turnover is always going to happen in some capacity.
“How much?” is the million-dollar question.
What’s Next?
The job could be a hot commodity in the coaching market. With Wisconsin transfer Leon Lowery Jr. joining a talented group of Illinois Football outside linebackers—including Gabe Jacas, JoJo Hayden, Joe Barna, Alec Bryant, Daniel Brown, and Mason Muragin—whoever steps into this role will have a strong foundation to work with next season.
Seemingly, it will be a really solid opportunity for a talented up-and-comer and recruiter.

Illinois Football. Oct 19, 2024. Champaign, Illinois. USA. Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema leads his team into the stadium before kickoff against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
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