Defensive coordinator Nickerson resigns
Illinois will finish the season without defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson.
Nickerson, who served in that role for coach Lovie Smith since 2016, resigned Monday because of health-related issues, the school announced.
“When I was contacted about being offered this job back in 2016, I was excited for the opportunity to come in to coordinate and run Illinois’ defense,” Nickerson said in a statement.
“I had every intention of helping put our defensive student-athletes in the best possible position to win, and, ultimately, to make the University of Illinois community and fans proud of our results. Due to health-related circumstances beyond my control I must step aside at this time.”
Nickerson, who was a five-time Pro Bowl player during a 16-year NFL career, also coached with Smith with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I’ve known Hardy Nickerson since 1996, and our relationship is a lot more than just coaches working together on a daily basis,” Smith said.
“Whenever someone leaves the program it’s tough. … Again, it’s a tough day, tough time for our program. We’re not satisfied with a lot of things that we’re doing football-wise right now; of course, defensively we haven’t played great defense. …
“We have a plan in place for what we’re going to do. I’ve been involved with the defense, and I’ll call the plays defensively this week.”
Illinois, coming off a 63-33 loss at Maryland, is back home to play Minnesota (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) on Saturday. The Illini (3-5, 1-4) have lost three in a row.
Smith said he would elevate analyst Rob Wright into Nickerson’s role as linebackers coach.
“Other guys on our staff will take on additional duties, and we’ll move forward with Minnesota this week,” Smith said.
Illinois finishes the season at Nebraska, vs. Iowa and at Northwestern.
“As I said, there’s disappointment with where we are, 3-5 record,” Smith said.
“But at the same time as you look at a season as a game, it’s late in the third quarter, and we’re behind, but most football games are won in the fourth quarter. That’s when the real work starts.”
