Illini losing defensive coordinator

$PHOTOCREDIT_ON$Associated Press$PHOTOCREDIT_OFF$

CHAMPAIGN — Defensive coordinator and interim head coach Vic Koenning has turned down an offer to stay at Illinois.

He will leave after coaching the Illini in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA on New Year’s Eve.

New coach Tim Beckman said Wednesday that Koenning declined an offer to remain coordinator.

In a statement released by the school, Koenning said he will explore other opportunities.

Defensive line coach Keith Gilmore will be retained as a member of Beckman’s staff.

“We wish Vic nothing but the best,” Beckman said. “He was given the opportunity to remain at Illinois as defensive coordinator, where he has done a fabulous job over the last two seasons. Vic’s work as interim head coach in preparing the team for the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl has been excellent and I know he will remain focused on helping the Fighting Illini prepare for the game.”

Koenning offered praise for Beckman as well.

“Coach Beckman could not have been better during the process,” Koenning said. “I know the reason we had success the past two years was the players and coaches who all shared common goals and work ethic. It will be a positive for the returning players to have a new beginning with Coach Beckman and his new staff.”

Beckman was hired last week to replace Ron Zook, who was fired after the Illini finished the regular season 6-6. Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino left last week to return to Arkansas.