Illinois parts ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after four games

Illinois coach Bret Bielema announced Sunday that the football team parted ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after just four games.

In the wake of Illinois’ 42-19 loss to Ohio State on Saturday, Bielema released a statement that said Hauck asked to meet with him early Sunday morning. At that meeting, they “mutually agreed that a change in leadership was in the best interests of our defense.”

Bielema didn’t immediately name a successor publicly. He said the Illini, who are 2-2, were communicating their plan to the staff and players Sunday.

“Coach Hauck and I agreed this is the best path forward for our staff, and most importantly, our student-athletes, at this time,” Bielema said in a statement. “I would like to thank Bobby for his work with our program. As with any turnover, we have prepared for this moment and we have a plan to move our program forward.”

Illinois has allowed 391 yards and 26.5 points per game this season, ranked 111th and 101st.

Hauck joined Illinois in February to replace former defensive coordinator Aaron Henry, who is now at Notre Dame. His arrival was announced just five days after he resigned as the head coach of Montana, where he led the program for 14 seasons over two stints. He went 151-43 there and also was the head coach at UNLV from 2010-14 and the associate head coach and special teams coordinator at San Diego State from 2015-17.

In the preseason, Bielema had touted the experience Hauck brought to his unit, and players said they expected his 3-3-5 defense to be fun, fast and aggressive.

But the Illini defense struggled over its first four games. Tackling was a major issue in a season-opening victory over UAB and a loss to Duke. After the loss to Ohio State, Bielema mentioned communication issues that led to only nine players being on the field at one point and also said he thought the defense might have been tipping plays to Ohio State.

Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had career highs with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns, which also tied a school record.

Illinois returned an experienced secondary this season, but Bielema linked the issues covering Smith with its pass rush as well. The Illini have just three sacks this season.

“I enjoyed being a part of the staff here at Illinois and working alongside Coach Bielema every day,” Hauck said in a statement. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity to be here and thankful for all of the hard work from the players, coaches and staff. I wish Illinois the best of luck.”