Illinois football eyeing Two Montana staffers for defense

According to early reports, Illinois Football may be very close to adding two new staffers to coach Bobby Hauck’s unit — both of whom are very familiar with the Fighting Illini’s new defensive coordinator, Bobby Hauck.

As reported by Matt Stevens of Illini Guys, Illinois Football is closing in on hiring former Montana defensive coordinator and current Miami Dolphins staffer Ronnie Bradford. The Colorado native spent three seasons under coach Hauck in Missoula (MT) from 2021–2023, where he served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, before transitioning into his current role as the Miami Dolphins’ Senior Special Teams Assistant in 2024. Notably, Bradford has a deep resume, including prior NFL experience coaching special teams and defensive backs, as well as coaching DB’s at USC from 2016-2018.

It’s unclear exactly what his role would be with the Illini at this time, as the hire isn’t yet official. However, with more potential staff shakeups on the way, along with vacancies at defensive line and special teams (where he has recent NFL experience), this move would make plenty of sense.

Then on Wednesday morning (2/11), Coulter Nuanez of Skyline Sports, who covers the Big Sky Conference, reported that Montana co-defensive coordinator Roger Cooper will also interview for a role in Champaign on Bret Bielema’s staff under coach Hauck. Cooper has spent the past four seasons in Missoula, working his way up the Grizzlies’ defensive staff. In 2022, he joined Hauck’s staff as safeties coach before becoming linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator.

Similar to Bradford, no specific job titles have been released, as this remains a developing situation. However, clarity should come soon.

Sources confirm that Montana co-defensive coordinator Roger Cooper is interviewing for an assistant job at job for Illinois as well.

Bradford was lights out defensive coordinator for #GrizFB in 2023 before bolting to the NFL. https://t.co/VvLs9B3lBT

— Skyline Sports (@SkylineSportsMT) February 11, 2026

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