Barry Lunney Jr. meets with reporters after being named new Illinois OC
Illinois will have a new offensive coordinator heading into next season. The Illini recently hired Barry Lunney Jr., who was UTSA’s associate head coach/offensive coordinator.
The 47-year-old Lunney Jr. also served as Arkansas’ interim head coach in 2019 for two games. UTSA’s offense averaged 442.9 total yards, 254.3 passing yards, 188.6 rushing yards, and 37.8 points per game en route to the first C-USA title in program history.
Lunney Jr. addressed the Illinois media for the first time since being hired and touched on a variety of topics, including his vision for the offense and the quarterbacks he’s inheriting.
Here’s a sampling of what Lunney Jr. said:
#illini Barry Lunney Jr.: It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re off and running. Mark Taurisani, who he knew well at Arkansas, took him around campus this morning. pic.twitter.com/SwyWoLEkCZ
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 12, 2022
#illini OC Barry Lunney Jr.: What he’s done at previous stops will be foundation of what he brings to Illinois offense but will build an offense around players’ strengths
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 12, 2022
#illini OC Barry Lunney Jr. on QB: Starts with ability to throw. Can be a pocket passer or someone who can supplement the game using their legs.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 12, 2022
#illini Barry Lunney Jr. said he and Bielema are on the same page about “a physical brand of football.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 12, 2022
#illini Barry Lunney Jr. on the QB room he inherits: “It’s my job as the coordinator and QBs coach to get in their minds and really get to know them.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 12, 2022
#illini Barry Lunney Jr.: Complementary team football will be key to our success. We’re not going to play so fast that it hurts our defense, but we want to play at a pace and change it so that it impacts the opposing defense.
“We want to dictate the pace.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) January 12, 2022
Illinois posted a 5-7 overall record and finished fifth in the B1G West last season. The Illini will begin next season with a home matchup vs. Wyoming on Aug. 27.
