Longtime Montana Head Coach Bobby Hauck Hired as Illini Defensive Coordinator

Bobby Hauck, Montana’s 14-year head coach, has agreed to become the new defensive coordinator at Illinois.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

February 9, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Skyline Sports)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Bobby Hauck and his 3-3-5 defensive scheme is coming to Illinois as the 61-year-old longtime head coach has agreed to be the Illini’s new defensive coordinator.

Hauck, who has spent the last eight years in his second stint as the Montana head coach leading one of the powerhouse programs in the Football Championship Subdivision, was announced as Bret Bielema’s . . .

 

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

583 - Jay Price & Brian Barnhart Talk Illini Final Four

Listen

582 - Illini Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander

Listen

581 Illini Legend Eddie Johnson Talks Illini Final Four

Listen

580 Illini Getting Ready for Final Four

Listen

579 Illini are Final Four Bound

Listen

578 Illini vs Iowa Preview

Listen

3.27.26 - Illini 2nd EE in 3 Years & IlliniGal CeCe Parchment

Listen

576 - Illini Earn 2nd Elite 8 Appearance in 3 Years

Listen

575 Sweet 16 - Illini Bust Up VCU 76-55

Listen

3.20.26 March Madness and Matt Brown on NIL

Listen

574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

Listen

573 The 2026 NCAA Tournament Show

Listen

572 Illini Lose Big Lead vs Badgers

Listen

3.13.26 Wagler All-B1G & All-American & Sturdy Fires Up Underwood

Listen

571 Illini "Smash" the Terps

Listen