Illinois has reportedly identified a new linebackers coach.

According to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports, Bret Bielema is set to add former Houston assistant Archie McDaniel to the staff. McDaniel spent the past three seasons with the Cougars on the staff of former head coach Dana Holgorsen.

The McDaniel news comes as Illinois outside linebackers coach and pass rush coordinator Charlie Bullen has left for a position with the New York Giants. The Illini’s 2024 defensive staff will have a new look, as Bielema parted with defensive backs coach Antonio Fenelus and linebackers coach Andy Buh following this past season.

McDaniel played a linebacker at Texas A&M, where he was a three-year starter. He graduated in 2005 and became a coach in 2007, starting at the JUCO level.

McDaniel returned to Texas A&M in 2008 as a graduate assistant. He then landed his first on-field coaching position as Texas Southern’s linebackers coach in 2009.

Over the years, McDaniel has coached defends at Tulsa, New Mexico, SMU, Texas State and Houston. He also worked with tight ends and H-backs for one season at Tulsa (2010).