News: Illinois Football Hires Toledo Defensive Backs Coach

News: Illinois Football Hires Toledo Defensive Backs Coach

After David Gibbs resigned from the Illinois Football program in the spring due to health issues, the Illini were down a defensive backs coach. Aaron Henry’s unit needed to add a quality leader in the secondary, and they did just that on Monday (5/13). Bret Bielema has officially hired former Toledo defensive backs coach Corey Parker, who spent the past two seasons coaching corners for the Rockets. During his short time in Northern Ohio, Parker helped lead two-time All-American Quinyon Mitchell to a first-round draft pick. Recently, Mitchell was selected No. 22 overall in the NFL Draft, taking his talents to the Philadelphia Eagles. Parker boasted a top-10 passing defense in both of his seasons with Toledo.

.@coachcparker is ready to make an instant impact!#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/kpSzNLkyHL

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) May 13, 2024

Bielema on Parker

“I am excited to welcome Coach Parker and his family to Champaign,” said Bielema. “Corey is a proven coach on many levels, both on and off the field. His experiences will bring tremendous value to our program and defensive backs.”

Parker On Illinois

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Illinois football program under Coach Bielema’s leadership,” said Parker. “During my interview, I had a great feeling about the coaches and the future of the program. There is great continuity within the staff and a great vision for success. We will miss Toledo dearly because of the great sense of community and the relationships we have built there, yet, my wife, Autumn, and our children are excited to start this next chapter in Champaign.”

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