New Illini OC Tony Petersen talks offensive philosophy, joining Illinois staff
It was a busy day for Illinois football. Quarterback Brandon Peters is returning and two new members of Brett Bielema’s staff spoke to the media.
Offensive coordinator Tony Petersen spoke about what the offense is going to look like, the return of Peters and the running game moving forward in his first media availability since Bielema was hired several weeks ago.
Petersen spent last season at Appalachian State and has been on the coaching staffs with Missouri, Marshall and East Carolina in recent years. He has Big Ten ties as well as from 1999 to 2006, he was co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota.
Here is what Petersen had to say on Tuesday:
#illini OC Tony Petersen: It's going to be Illinois' offense, mixed in with feedback from other staff and Bielema. As long as personnel allows, we'll be 11 or 12 personnel. Want to run the ball, take care of the ball with a QB who makes good decisions. pic.twitter.com/tQJHC1Einy
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 29, 2020
#illini OC Tony Petersen said he and Bielema got to know each other when Bret was an assistant at Iowa and he was at Minnesota. Recruited Florida at the same time. Said they always thought they'd hook up on same staff.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 29, 2020
#illini OC Tony Petersen said he's fired up to work with QB Brandon Peters and watched him and Isaiah Williams on film today. Said he hopes to help Peters have his best year, like he did with Jeff Driskel at La Tech.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 29, 2020
#illini OC Tony Petersen said they'll be in shotgun at times and under center at times.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 29, 2020
#illini OC Tony Petersen said RBs Mike Epstein and Chase Brown impressed him when he watched the Nebraska game.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 29, 2020
#illini OC Tony Petersen pretty clearly saying his offense will be versatile.
"We're going to show a lot of eye candy on some stuff. It's going to be a modern-day type of spread look. But it's not going to be out of 10 personnel where we have four wide receivers out there."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 29, 2020
