Banks gone as Illiniois football shuffles coaching staff

Posted December 18, 2015 12:00 am

Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN - Illinois coach Bill Cubit says co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks has left the team and Mike Phair, who held the same title, will take over the job.

Cubit also announced a number of other staff changes Friday.

His son, Ryan Cubit, was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. Bill Cubit had been the offensive coordinator under fired coach Tim Beckman.

Illinois also confirmed it has added two new assistants. Former Illini quarterback Jeff Hecklinski, a former star at Palatine High School and Western Illinois, was named tight ends coach and special teams coordinator. Former Illinois offensive line coach A.J. Ricker returns to that job after two years at Missouri.

Hecklinski, a Palatine native, has more than 18 years of coaching experience with various jobs at Colorado State-Pueblo (2015), Michigan (2011-14), San Diego State (2010), Ball State (2004-08), Arizona (2003), Central Missouri (2001-02), Fort Scott Community College (1999-2000), and Benedictine University (1998)

Cubit provided no details on Banks' exit, only saying he left to pursue other opportunities after four seasons.

Banks was often criticized for Illinois' defensive struggles. The group improved last season when Phair was added.

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