Bret Bielema adds App. State OC, former Minnesota assistant to Illinois staff

Bret Bielema has found the offensive coordinator for his Illinois coaching staff.

Monday evening, Illinois announced the addition of Tony Petersen to serve as OC. Petersen spent 2020 as the OC at Appalachian State, but he does have time in the B1G.

Petersen previously served as a passing game coordinator and co-OC at Minnesota from 1999-2006. He has bounced around at multiple locations since then.

Here is what Bielema had to say about Petersen, via the school’s official release:

“After competing against Tony and his offensive style and game plan I have had tremendous respect for him as a coach,” Bielema said. “Throughout his career he has blended the roster and skill sets of the players to maximize the results. Here at Illinois, we will build an offensive identity that will provide balance, use tempo, and play with a physicality that will make Illini Nation smile. No matter from playing on the road in a hostile environment or here at Memorial Stadium, we will execute and maximize our players’ talents to build a sustained winning culture.”

It will be interesting to see how the offense looks in 2021 and beyond under Petersen.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.