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Lovie Smith announces staff changes following Hardy Nickerson’s resignation
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The Illinois coaching staff will go through some changes entering the final month of the season as a result of defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson announcing his resignation.
Smith met with the media on Monday for his weekly press conference. Nickerson’s decision to step away from the program was obviously a major topic of conversation. The defensive coordinator’s decision was made public on Monday morning.
Smith will now call the defensive plays for the Illini and Rob Wright will shift over and coach the linebackers for the remainder of the season. The head coach is confident in his ability to run things on the defensive side of the ball.
.@LovieSmith announces @IlliniR_Wright will take over the linebacker duties. pic.twitter.com/n1NX2rZmTF
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 29, 2018
#illini Lovie: I've been involved defensively but I haven't called plays. I have been more involved defensively. I feel comfortable being in that role.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) October 29, 2018
Illinois defense has struggled this season, ranking last in the B1G in points allowed and yards allowed. Last week, the Illini surrendered 712 yards in a 63-33 loss to Maryland.
In B1G games this season, Illinois has allowed more than 46 points per game.
Smith said that Nickerson informed him of the decision on Sunday. The defensive coordinator cited health-related circumstances as his reason to step away from the program with a month left on the schedule.
Nickerson had been with the program since 2016.
Illinois is 3-5 on the season and 1-4 in B1G play. The Illini have four games remaining on the schedule and will take on Minnesota Saturday.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB