Zook stays, but Illini fire 4 assistants after nine-loss season

CHAMPAIGN -- The University of Illinois has fired four assistant football coaches, but head coach Ron Zook will keep his job after a 3-9 season.

The university says it fired three offensive coaches Friday -- offensive coordinator Mike Schultz, quarterbacks coach Kurt Beathard and receivers coach Jim Pry. Special teams coach Mike Woodford also lost his job.

Zook also announced he will begin a national search to replace the departed coaches and to fill both his offensive and defensive coordinator positions.

Curt Mallory and Dan Disch, current members of the Illini football staff who shared the roles of defensive coordinator the past three seasons, will continue as position coaches.

"These are some major coaching staff changes," said Zook. "Obviously we are not happy with the way the past two seasons have gone, but we believe in this program and its ability to rebound with the necessary decisions.

"I can't thank these coaches and their families enough for how hard they worked, for the heart and soul they poured into Illinois football," Zook continued. "These are good, good people. These are the most difficult days in our business. I really wish all of them the very best in any future endeavors. I truly mean that."

Schultz joined Illinois in January. He had been TCU's offensive coordinator.

Big things had been expected of the Illini offense this season, but it struggled early. Recently, though, the offense clicked. Illinois averaged 35 points a game over its last five.

After a 2008 trip to the Rose Bowl, Illinois has had two straight losing seasons.