Illini add tight ends coach

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois has hired Arkansas graduate assistant Chip Long to coach tight ends.

Illini head coach Ron Zook on Wednesday called Long "an outstanding young coach" and noted his ties to Illini offensive coordinator Paul Petrino.

Petrino is in his first season at Illinois after running the offense at Arkansas. Long spent two seasons there, working with the Razorback tight ends.

Long played tight end at North Alabama. He also coached two seasons at Louisville.

Long replaces Greg Nord, who left for Kentucky earlier in July after six months on the job.