Cincinnati assistant Keith Gilmore, who was first identified in this space last Thursday, has agreed to become Illinois' new defensive line coach coach Ron Zook announced Tuesday.
Gilmore, who was the Bearcats' assistant head coach as well as their defensive line coach, brings recruiting ties to Washington, D.C., where he coached at Howard University; Michigan, where he coached at several schools, and Ohio.
A 1981 graduate of Wayne State in Detroit, Gilmore moved from Central Michigan to Cincinnati in 2007 with head coach Brian Kelly, who guided the Bearcats to the Big East title this season and a trip to the Orange Bowl. Cincinnati finished 31st in the nation in total defense (321.9 yards a game), 19th in run defense (115) and led the Big East in sacks (2.86).
In 2006, Gilmore's only season at Central Michigan, two defensive linemen earned all-league honors. In 2002-05, Gilmore was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Howard University. He also was the defensive line coach for the Bison, who led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total defense in 2004 and 2005.
In 1998-2001, Gilmore was the special teams coordinator and coached the defensive line and running backs at Norfolk State. He began his coaching career at Wayne State in 1985. He also was an assistant at Michigan State (1988), Northern Michigan (1989-90), Grand Valley State (1991-93), Wayne State (1994), and Eastern Michigan (1995-97).
Gilmore, who was the Bearcats' assistant head coach as well as their defensive line coach, brings recruiting ties to Washington, D.C., where he coached at Howard University; Michigan, where he coached at several schools, and Ohio.
A 1981 graduate of Wayne State in Detroit, Gilmore moved from Central Michigan to Cincinnati in 2007 with head coach Brian Kelly, who guided the Bearcats to the Big East title this season and a trip to the Orange Bowl. Cincinnati finished 31st in the nation in total defense (321.9 yards a game), 19th in run defense (115) and led the Big East in sacks (2.86).
In 2006, Gilmore's only season at Central Michigan, two defensive linemen earned all-league honors. In 2002-05, Gilmore was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Howard University. He also was the defensive line coach for the Bison, who led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total defense in 2004 and 2005.
In 1998-2001, Gilmore was the special teams coordinator and coached the defensive line and running backs at Norfolk State. He began his coaching career at Wayne State in 1985. He also was an assistant at Michigan State (1988), Northern Michigan (1989-90), Grand Valley State (1991-93), Wayne State (1994), and Eastern Michigan (1995-97).
Herb Gould started with the Sun-Times in 1977 and has covered several teams, including the Blackhawks. He is a long-time beat reporter covering the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten for the Sun-Times.
Coach Gilmore will be a great addition to coach Zook's Fighting Illiani staff. He comes with a welth of experience, eye for talent,and proven track record. This article failed to mention that wile at Norfolk State University he produced an all conference/all american RB whom prior to coach Gilmore's arrival played only sparingly! Hince the eye for talent. I know because I was that player! Just one of many success stories on his coaching resume. Proud to have played for him! Parents will feel conforitable sending their sons to Illois to play for coach Gilmore with assurance they will be better players, students and ulitmatly better men because of coach Gilmore! Great hire coach Zook your got a good one. Now Illinois is as serious threat for Big Ten and National titles to come.