Football
Illinois Football Announces Pre-Spring Ball Staff Changes
Two surprising new staff additions, and a couple of role changes for Bret Bielema’s program, as Illinois Football quickly approaches spring ball.
With spring practices set to begin in late March, Illinois Football has finalized several important coaching roles ahead of the 2026 season. Head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois Football program recently announced two new additions to the staff, along with a series of internal promotions and title changes on Wednesday (3/4).
With spring ball right around the corner, Illinois is leaning into continuity in-house, while adding a couple of fresh voices from Bobby Hauck’s Montana Staff, in hopes of creating consistency in development, with a bit of fresh perspective.
Of course, promoting coaches from within, who already know the roster and system very well, helps maintain consistency during a critical developmental stretch. Plus, the new additions bring added perspective from a very successful staff in Missoula (MT), without shaking up the foundation.
Coaching Staff Updates. pic.twitter.com/49zKx4jrXt
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) March 4, 2026
Two New Additions Bolster the Defensive Staff
On Tuesday afternoon (3/4), the Illinois Football program announced the additions of Mike Linehan and Robby Hauck to the defensive staff, joining new Illini Defensive Coordinator Bobby Hauck. Notably, both coaches hold deep rooted familiarity with Hauck’s 3-3-5 system, and are no stranger to the Fighting Illini’s new DC.
Mike Linehan – Defensive Ends
Mike Linehan joins the Illini after spending the past three seasons (2023-25) coaching the defensive line at Montana. His background centers on building disciplined, technically sound fronts capable of holding up against the run, while also finding creative ways to generate consistent pressure.
For Illinois, his arrival comes at an important time. The defensive ends play a pivotal role in setting the edge in Hauck’s 3-3-5 system, in addition to putting much-needed pressure opposing quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Linehan’s experience of technique and talent development on the defensive line should translate well in Champaign, as Illinois looks to be more disruptive from their front seven in 2026.
Bret Bielema on Linehan: “We are excited to welcome Coach Linehan to our staff. His extensive football background and strong understanding of our defensive scheme aligns perfectly with our program. He will work alongside Coach (Jordan) Thomas, who he has previous experience with, in coaching and developing our defensive ends and defensive line.”
Welcome to the FamILLy, Defensive Ends Coach Mike Linehan@CoachMLinehan | https://t.co/0Dcm4QQBWK pic.twitter.com/7hPHo1eJXA
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) March 3, 2026
Robby Hauck — Assistant Defensive Backs Coach
A former 3-time All-American at Montana (Under HC Bobby Hauck 2018-22), Robby Hauck comes to Illinois after three seasons on the Portland State staff, where he steadily moved up the ranks and recently served as the Vikings’ special teams coordinator, in addition to coaching safeties.
He’s not only very familiar with the new defensive scheme as a former player — he’s family.
Robby is the son of Illinois’ new defensive coordinator, Bobby Hauck, and was one of the standout defenders in FCS history while playing safety at Montana under his father. During his college career, he earned multiple All‑America honors (3x) — setting a program and Big Sky Conference career tackle record.
Now coaching defensive backs at Illinois, Hauck pairs a decorated playing career with firsthand knowledge of his father’s 3–3–5 system, giving him a unique edge and perspective when helping develop the Illini’s secondary.
Bret Bielema on Hauck: “Coach Hauck brings valuable experience coordinating a special teams unit over the last two seasons and a deep knowledge of our defense to our Illini FamILLy. He was an accomplished player that understands how to execute within our scheme. We are excited to welcome Coach Hauck to our program.”
Welcome to the FamILLy, Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Robby Hauck@RHauck17 | https://t.co/EL6W2qOvO1 pic.twitter.com/unAZPWyYfa
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) March 3, 2026
Expanded Roles for Eight Staffers
In addition to the two new hires, Illinois announced eight updated role titles within the program. Several assistants will take on new responsibilities as the staff continues to evolve.
Some notable moves include Archie McDaniel, who enters his third season in Champaign with the new title of Outside Linebackers Coach. After previously coaching linebackers during the 2024–2025 seasons, McDaniel will continue guiding his group under a more clearly defined role. His familiarity with the roster and Bret Bielema’s overall system provides much-needed continuity at a key position.
On the offensive side, Art Sitkowski will now take over as the Qb’s coach. After serving as a quarterback’s assistant the past two seasons, Sitkowski steps into full leadership of the position. He’s regarded very highly internally as an ascending young coach, and this move gives him full responsibility for developing the most important position on the field, as Illinois looks to move on from the Luke Altmyer era.
The remaining staff changes include:
- Chris Hurd – Special Teams Coordinator. (Previously Senior Special Teams Assistant.)
- Mike Neu – Pass Game Coordinator. (Previously Senior Offensive Analyst.)
- Danny Cameron – Senior Offensive Analyst and Assistant Running Backs Coach. (Previously Assistant Tight Ends Coach.)
- Harper Cole – Assistant Wide Receivers Coach. (Previously Offensive Skill and Special Teams Assistant.)
- Houston Griffith – Assistant Tight Ends Coach. (Previously Assistant Defensive Backs Coach.)
- Alex Panos – Assistant Offensive Line Coach. (Previously Co-Outside Linebackers Coach.)