IlliniGuys 2026 Defensive Coordinator Hot Board

For the first time since Dec. 2022, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema will need to fill a coordinator spot on coaching staff after losing Aaron Henry to Notre Dame. IlliniGuys.com have broken down a potential list of candidates here. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

February 2, 2026

NOTE: It should be known this hot board will be updated based on sourced information during the search process as Illinois head coach Bret Bielema attempts to find his third defensive coordinator hire since Bielema’s arrival in Champaign on Dec. 2020. However, as of now (late evening of Feb . . .

 

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Podcasts

560 Illini Defensive Coordinator Search

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

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1.30.26 - Keaton Wagler's Historic Season & More

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558 Illini Win Lifts the Streak to 10

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557 Sturdy & Stevens on the Keaton Wagler Game

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

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1.23.26 - Illinois vs Purdue - Top 15 Showdown

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

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

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553 Illini Beat Minnesota Winning Streak Up to 7

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1.16.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Portal Kombat & CFP Future

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552 - Illini Break 3-Game Losing Streak at Northwestern

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551 Illini Road Win Over Iowa 75-69

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1.9.26 - Portal Kombat, Illini Women & A'ja Wilson & Illini vs Iowa Coming Up

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550 Illini Crush Rutgers 81-55

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