Illini Expected to Hire NFL & College Assistant Ronnie Bradford

Days after announcing Bobby Hauck as Illini’s new defensive coordinator, IlliniGuys.com has learned Bret Bielema is expected to hire one of Hauck’s former assistant coaches at Montana to the Illini’s staff.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

February 10, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy James Dobson/MTN Sports)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Bobby Hauck is bringing a familiar face from his University of Montana staff with him to Illinois.

Multiple sources have confirmed to IlliniGuys.com that Ronnie Bradford has agreed to become the first assistant coach hire to Bret Bielema’s coaching staff since Hauck was named . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

564 Illini Lead Evaporates in 92-90 OT Loss to Wisconsin

Listen

563 Inside Scoop on New Illini DC Bobby Hauck

Listen

562 Illini Fall 85-82 to MSU in OT

Listen

2.6.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Ayo Traded & Football Coaching Openings

Listen

561 Illini Smash Northwestern Push Win Streak to 12

Listen

560 Illini Defensive Coordinator Search

Listen

559 - #9 Illini Cruise Over #5 Nebraska 78-69

Listen

1.30.26 - Keaton Wagler's Historic Season & More

Listen

558 Illini Win Lifts the Streak to 10

Listen

557 Sturdy & Stevens on the Keaton Wagler Game

Listen

556 Illini Defeat Purdue 88-82 in the Keaton Wagler Game

Listen

1.23.26 - Illinois vs Purdue - Top 15 Showdown

Listen

555 - CJ Moore Talks Keaton Wagler, the NBA Draft & Illini Tourney Expectations

Listen

554 - Illini Flush Terrapins 89-70 for 8th Win in a Row

Listen

553 Illini Beat Minnesota Winning Streak Up to 7

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.