Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and AD Josh Whitman had many talks at the years end about Tony Petersen and what direction they wanted the offense to go. It’s hard to defend 112 out of 130. Thats where Illinois offense landed nationally. Not only does that look ugly to the fans but other players see this and how bland the play calling was. Deuce Spann left largely because of Tony Petersen. I’ll be blunt it’s been hurting the team in the transfer portal which is huge for Bielema to take the step he wants. They chose to move forward and find someone who will be a positive in recruiting and transfer portal. It just so happens that Nret Bielema is very familiar with him.
Barry Lunney Jr is the current Assistant head coach at UTSA and current OC. He was also the interim head coach at Arkansas after Chad Morris was let go in 2019 during the season. He played at Arkansas and served as the tight ends coach for Bret Bielema during his tenure as Razorback head coach. The connection is there and he’s had head coaching experience and was a very good QB who understands how to move the ball. He’s the front runner and announcement likely comes tomorrow/Friday.
In the coming weeks I’m expecting another return similar to Kendall Smith from a player who wanted to transfer and hit the portal. I won’t give the name up but it is DL. Which is a position of need. Should be announced soon.
Illinois is leading in pursuit of landing Cornell transfer OL Hunter Nourzad who will be deciding very soon.
Barry Lunney Jr is the current Assistant head coach at UTSA and current OC. He was also the interim head coach at Arkansas after Chad Morris was let go in 2019 during the season. He played at Arkansas and served as the tight ends coach for Bret Bielema during his tenure as Razorback head coach. The connection is there and he’s had head coaching experience and was a very good QB who understands how to move the ball. He’s the front runner and announcement likely comes tomorrow/Friday.
In the coming weeks I’m expecting another return similar to Kendall Smith from a player who wanted to transfer and hit the portal. I won’t give the name up but it is DL. Which is a position of need. Should be announced soon.
Illinois is leading in pursuit of landing Cornell transfer OL Hunter Nourzad who will be deciding very soon.