TCU offensive coach joins Zook's staff at Illinois
CHAMPAIGN - University of Illinois head football coach Ron Zook has hired TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz as the new offensive coordinator for the Fighting Illini.
"I am very excited to have Mike join our staff," Zook said. "Mike is a proven coach and coordinator and will be able to lead and continue to grow this offense. Mike has a great reputation in the coaching community for developing players and producing offensive numbers, something that is very evident with his record at TCU. His philosophies are in line with the direction of the Illini program."
Schultz recently completed his 11th season directing the Horned Frogs' multiple offense. He served as both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons after coaching the running backs for his first nine years at TCU.
"I am very excited," said Schultz. "The biggest attraction to this job was the opportunity to work with Ron Zook. I have heard such great things about how he treats people and handles his players. It has been a dream of mine to coach in the Big Ten, a conference I consider to be very exciting. I know about the players Illinois has coming back and am thrilled about the chance to work with them."
The 2008 season saw TCU set single-season school records for points scored (420) and touchdowns (54). The Frogs led the nation in time of possession (35:05) and were 13th nationally in team rushing (215.7 yards per game) despite not having a player among the top-100 individually. The 215.7 yards per game rushing is the highest total at TCU since 2000.
The Frogs were second in the Mountain West Conference in total offense (417.1 yards per game) and third in scoring offense (35.0 points per game). TCU's average of 417.1 yards per game was its best mark since 2004 (430.7). TCU totaled at least 410 yards of offense in eight of 12 games.
In 2007, Schultz helped quarterback Andy Dalton to Freshman All-America honors. Dalton set single-season TCU records for pass completions (222) and attempts (371) while placing second in yards (2,459) and fourth in completion percentage (59.8).
During his time as running backs coach, Schultz made a habit of developing young players at the position. Schultz tutored a 1,000-yard rusher five times at TCU - with Basil Mitchell, LaDainian Tomlinson (twice), Lonta Hobbs and Robert Merrill each earning that distinction.
Under the direction of Schultz, Tomlinson was a two-time NCAA rushing champ, leading the country with 1,850 yards in 1999 and a school record 2,158 in 2000.
The Schultz file
Born: Jan. 3, 1958 Hometown: Houston, Texas
Family: wife Cindy and three daughters, Taylor, Kendall and Jordan
Alma mater: Sam Houston State, 1979
Playing experience: Sam Houston State, 1977-78
Schultz Year-By-Year
2007-08: TCU (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2001-06: TCU (offensive coordinator/running backs)
1998-2000: TCU (running game coordinator/running backs)
1996-97: University of New Mexico (asst. head coach/running backs)
1992-95: University of New Mexico (asst. head coach/defensive secondary)
1990-91: Southwest Texas (defensive secondary/recruiting coordinator)
1986-89: Round Rock Westwood High School (assistant coach)
1985: University of Texas (assistant coach)
1983-84: Tennessee Tech (defensive secondary/running backs)
1982: Kansas State (tight ends)
1981: UTEP (receivers/tight ends)
1979-80: Sam Houston State (linebackers/quarterbacks/receivers)