Posted December 14, 2011 on AP on Fox
Defensive coordinator and interim head coach Vic Koenning has turned down an offer to stay at Illinois. He will leave after coaching the Illini in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA on New Year's Eve. New coach Tim Beckman said Wednesday that Koenning declined an offer to remain coordinator. He praised Koenning's work during his two seasons at Illinois. In a statement released by the school, Koenning said he will explore other opportunities. Beckman was hired last week to replace Ron Zook, who was fired after the Illini finished the regular season 6-6. Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino left last week to return to Arkansas. Beckman said defensive line coach Keith Gilmore will stay at Illinois.
THE BACKYARD
BEST OF MAXIM
AROUND THE WEB
RELATED ARTICLES

Meet Your Illini: Cornerback Valdon Cooper

The Fighting Illini football team has employed nine freshmen this season. Among them is an under-recruited cornerback from a small town in Georgia. Valdon Cooper has made rapid progress and is seeing time on defense and special teams. He has a bright future.

Associated Press Latest to Name Mercilus an All-American

Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus was named to the AP All-America first team Wednesday, bringing his total of first-team All-America laurels to nine. 2011 AP All-Americans |

Mercilus Named CFPA Defensive Performer of the Year

University of Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus was named the 2011 College Football Performance Awards National Defensive Performer of the Year Thursday.

O'Toole Seeks Playing Time Now, Next Year

The Fighting Illini football team used two quarterbacks this season. Nathan Scheelhaase was the established starter, but freshman Reilly O'Toole was brought along slowly and made a valuable contribution later in the year. O'Toole is expected to challenge for the starting berth next year and shares his thoughts on the new head coach.

Now Healthy Again, Thornton Looks Toward Bowl

The Fighting Illini football team struggled at times on the offensive line this season. Junior Hugh Thornton had probably his best year as a full-time starter, but he missed a couple crucial games late in the season due to knee surgery. He is healthy again and ready for the bowl game and his senior season.

Welcome, Tim Beckman

Dear Coach Beckman,Welcome to the University of Illinois! We look forward to what you will bring to Illini football. I'm sure you've done your research, and you have a pretty good idea of what you are getting into, but here are a few notes to keep in mind as you move to Champaign-Urbana and get to know your new university and conference.You are moving to a college town in...

Football. Associated Press Latest to Name Mercilus an All-American

Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus was named to the AP All-America first team Wednesday, bringing his total of first-team All-America laurels to nine. 2011 AP All-Americans |

Illinois' Mercilus, Notre Dame's Te'o, Eifert earn All-America nods

If he sticks around for his senior year, Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus will give his new coach an All-American talent to work with.

Football. Mercilus Named CFPA Defensive Performer of the Year

University of Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus was named the 2011 College Football Performance Awards National Defensive Performer of the Year Thursday.

Illinois Basketball to Recognize Honored Coaches

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Thursday that four former Fighting Illini basketball coaches will be permanently recognized at the Assembly Hall through the creation of the Honored Coaches program. Banners for Lou Henson, Harry Combes, Doug Mills and Ralph Jones will be displayed from the rafters, hanging alongside the Honored Jerseys that...

W. Volleyball. Illinois Ends USC's Season With Five-Set Win At 2011 NCAA Final Four

SAN ANTONIO - Colleen Ward posted 27 kills and 22 digs Thursday as the No. 3 seed Illinois Fighting Illini advanced to the 2011 national championship with a five-set win over the No. 7 seed USC Women of Troy (25-27, 25-18, 25-22, 18-25, 15-10) in a national semifinal played in front of 10,525 at The Alamodome. USC was attempting to become the first team in NCAA women's volleyball...

Multiple Promotions set for Sunday's Home Opener

The University of Illinois Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Fighting Illini wrestling team will hold a support drive to benefit the Eastern Illinois Foodbank at Sunday's 1 p.m. dual against UT-Chattanooga.

M. Gymnastics. Illini Claim Top Spot in Big Ten Preseason Poll

The Fighting Illini men's gymnastics team checked in at No. 1 in the Big Ten Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference office announced Wednesday. The Orange and Blue edged second-ranked Michigan, which received the top spot last season, followed by Penn State in third, Ohio State in fourth and Minnesota in fifth. Individually, Illini senior Tyler Mizoguchi and freshman C.J...

The coaching picture begins to take form

Remember yesterday when it was reported that Mario Cristobal, one of last year's finalists, could be considered the front-runner for the Pitt job? Me neither. Because there's a new list, and he ain't on it (via the PG): In fact, according to sources, the school already is reaching out to candidates, including Ohio State defensive coordinator Luke Fickell, who served...

Where's The Final Stop For The Frain Train?

Georgia Tech has been looking to bring in a quality kicker and punter in the class of 2012, and they have identified Ryan Frain out of Indianapolis as their top target. Frain, who committed to Illinois about a month ago, reopened his recruitment after the Illini fired Ron Zook.
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers

Join the Yardbarker Network (YBN) for more promotion, traffic, and money.

Company Info
Help
What is Yardbarker?

Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.