Reggie Mitchell--Illinois' assistant head coach, running backs coach and recruiting coordinator--is weighing an offer to join the staff of new Kansas coach Turner Gill. Contrary to some online reports, the move is not a done deal, sources said, but Mitchell probably is leaning toward making the move. He coached at Kansas under Glen Mason, and is familiar with the area.
While Zook is trying to keep Mitchell, the sources said, the role of recruiting coordinator isn't as all-encompassing as it sounds. It's important from an administrative standpoint, but Illinois has several staffers who are experienced at that. And while Mitchell has been a key Zook assistant, it might be time for a change, from both sides of that equation.
In addition, it wouldn't be surprising if Illinois' demoted defensive coordinators, Curt Mallory and Dan Disch, also left the staff. New coordinator Vic Koenning probably would like to make his own hires. Koenning also wants to handle the linebackers, which has been Disch's domain.
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While Zook is trying to keep Mitchell, the sources said, the role of recruiting coordinator isn't as all-encompassing as it sounds. It's important from an administrative standpoint, but Illinois has several staffers who are experienced at that. And while Mitchell has been a key Zook assistant, it might be time for a change, from both sides of that equation.
In addition, it wouldn't be surprising if Illinois' demoted defensive coordinators, Curt Mallory and Dan Disch, also left the staff. New coordinator Vic Koenning probably would like to make his own hires. Koenning also wants to handle the linebackers, which has been Disch's domain.
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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.
TAKE THE JOB, THEY MIGHT GET RID OF YOU NEXT, TURNER GILL WILL PUT YOU TO WORK RIGHT AWAY!