Inside Illinois sports

Cincinnati's Tim Banks takes over Illinois defense

2012-01-18T19:29:51Z

Tim Banks, who was co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati the last two seasons, has been hired as Illinois' new defensive coordinator, the school announced Wednesday.

``Tim Banks is a great fit,'' new Illinois coach Tim Beckman said. ``He led an outstanding defense at Central Michigan [in 2007-09] and made a great improvement at Cincinnati this past season. Tim and I worked together at Bowling Green and I consider him one of the brightest young coaches in the nation. Tim will run a very aggressive defensive system that will work very well with our personnel.''

Translation: Even though Whitney Mercilus, the nation's sack leader, won't return, Banks intends to keep looking for sack opportunities. And Illinois' returning personnel are well-suited to that approach.

Under Banks, Cincinnati, which ranked 39th nationally in run defense in 2010, improved to No. 6 last fall. Cincinnati led the nation in tackles for loss in 2011 after ranking 38th in 2010. It also ranked No. 2 in sacks last fall, up from No. 38 in 2010.

In 2009, Banks' defense at Central Michigan led the Mid-American Conference in scoring defense, ranked second in rushing defense, third in pass efficiency defense and fourth in total defense. The Chippewas also led the MAC in rushing defense in both 2007 and 2008, and in sacks in 2008.

The hiring of Banks completes Beckman's staff. Here are the assistants and their assignments:

Tim Banks - defensive coordinator/safeties

Billy Gonzales - co-offensive coordinator/receivers

Chris Beatty - co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks

Luke Butkus - offensive line

Steve Clinkscale - cornerbacks

Keith Gilmore - defensive line

Alex Golesh - tight ends/specialists/recruiting coordinator

Tim Salem - running backs/special teams coordinator

Mike Ward - linebackers

Gonzales, Clinkscale, Salem join Illinois football staff

2012-01-13T22:39:30Z

Illini coach Tim Beckman announced the hiring of three more assistants Friday and designated roles for all of his offensive assistants. The defensive roles have not been announced yet, apparently because Beckman is still trying to hire his defensive coordinator.

Billy Gonzales, Tim Salem and Steve Clinkscale are the newly named assistants. Although Gonzales has been designated as co-offensive coordinator along with Chris Beatty, Gonzales is expected to have the senior role.

Salem, whose, father Joe, was head coach at Minnesota in 1979-83, will be running backs coach and special teams coordinator. Clinkscale will be a defensive assistant.

Salem has been at Central Florida the last eight years, including the last three as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach.

Clinkscale has been cornerbacks coach at Toledo the last three years, and also was the Rockets' special teams coordinator the last two years.

Here's the full official release. . .

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois head coach Tim Beckman announced the hiring of Steve Clinkscale, Billy Gonzales and Tim Salem as assistant football coaches Friday. Gonzales will serve as co-offensive coordinator and Salem will be the Illini's running backs coach and special teams coordinator.

Assignments for the previously announced offensive assistant coaches have been decided,with Chris Beatty serving as co-offensive coordinator, Luke Butkus coaching the offensive line and Alex Golesh guiding the tight ends and specialists, while also serving as recruiting coordinator. Defensive coaching assignments will be announced at a later date.

"Steve brings a great work ethic to the Illini football program," Beckman said. "He's a terrific mentor of young men and an excellent young coach who pushes his players to be the best they can be. 'Clink' worked with our secondary at Toledo, coached an All-MAC player in Dez Marrow and was in charge of coaching All-American punt and kickoff returner Eric Page.

"Billy Gonzales has been a part of two national championship teams and coached in another national championship game earlier this week, and he brings a great reputation to the Fighting Illini. He has coached in four BCS games and has been associated with great success wherever he has been. I worked with Billy at Bowling Green on Urban Meyer'sstaff. He is an outstanding coach and a terrific person. He and Chris Beatty will do a great job running our offense.

"Tim Salem is a very experienced coach who has a great reputation around the nation. He has experience as an offensivecoordinator and did an exceptional job in coordinating special teams at Central Florida. He has a Big Ten background as a coach at Ohio State and Purdue, as well as a quarterback at Minnesota, where his father, Joe, coached. Tim also has terrific recruiting contacts in several areas of the nation."

Clinkscale helped Toledo's defense become a national leader in takeaways as the Rockets ranked fifth in turnovers gained in 2010 and 16th in 2011. UT also ranked third in the nation in turnover margin and 29th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in third-down defense in 2011. In 2010, Toledo grabbed 20 interceptions, the eighth-most in the country. On special teams, Clinkscale guided the Rockets to a No. 17 national ranking in punt return average in 2011 and a No. 11 ranking in kickoff return average. He also mentored All-American return man Eric Page, who returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in 2010 and added a kickoff return and a punt return for touchdowns in 2011.

Gonzales most recently served as passing-game coordinator and receivers coach at LSU, helping the Tigers to a runner-up finish in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 9. He spent two years at LSU after coaching receivers for five years at Florida, where he helped the Gators to a pair of national championships in 2006 and 2008. In 2011, the Tigers ranked 17th in the nation in scoring offense (35.71 points per game) and 24th in passing efficiency (147.53) as quarterbackJarrett Lee led the SEC with a 152.04 passer rating. Under Gonzales' tutelage, the LSU passing game completed 62.0 percent of its attempts for 2,135 yardswhile accounting for 21 touchdowns with only five interceptions in 2011. In his five seasons in Gainesville, Gonzales sent seven players to the NFL Draft, including 2009 first-round selection Percy Harvin and Chad Jackson, a second-round pick in 2007. He coached alongside Urban Meyer at Florida, Utah and Bowling Green, coaching receivers at Utah and Bowling Green.

Salem comes to Illinois after eight years at Central Florida, including the last three as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. Prior to that, he was UCF's offensive coordinator for five years. Under Salem's guidance, the Knights have ranked in the top five nationally in kickoff return average, standing third in 2011 and first in 2010. UCF also ranked in the top 10 nationally in kickoff return defense the past three seasons, finishing ninth in 2011, third in 2010 and 10th in 2009. Salem also oversaw some of the most prolific offenses in Knight history as offensive coordinator from 2004-08, guiding UCF to a 10-win season, a Conference USA championship and a berth in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in 2007. That year, he helped running back Kevin Smith earn consensus All-America honors by rushing for 2,567 yards - the second-most yards in a season in FBS history - and a national-best 29 rushing touchdowns. Salem helped the Knights to a C-USA East Division title and berth in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl in 2005 as Smith was named the league's freshman of the year and receivers Brandon Marshall and Mike Sims-Walker combined for 2,050 yards and 20 touchdowns. Prior to his time at UCF, Salem also served as offensive coordinator at Eastern Michigan (2003), Purdue (1991-96) and Phoenix College (1987-88). He was quarterbacks coach at Ohio State from 1997-2000.

Gonzales to be Illinois offensive coordinator

2012-01-11T22:55:55Z

LSU receivers coach/passing game coordinator Billy Gonzales, who worked with new Illinois coach Tim Beckman on Urban Meyer's staff at Bowling Green, has agreed to become offensive coordinator at Illinois, multiple sources confirmed Wednesday.

``This is a great promotion for Billy,'' LSU coach Les Miles said. ``Billy will do a great job as an offensive coordinator. This is a tremendous opportunity for him and his family.''

This will be the first opportunity for Gonzales, 40, who's considered an excellent recruiter, to work as an offensive coordinator.

Gonzales also worked for Meyer in 2003-04 at Utah, where he was receivers coach and special teams coordinator, and in 2005-09 at Florida, where he was recruiting coordinator and receivers coach.

A Colorado native who was a wide receiver at Colorado State, Gonzales began his coaching career at MacMurray College in Downstate Jacksonville in 1994.

Hebert skewers Miles after LSU loss

2012-01-10T17:01:13Z

Former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert, who now hosts a New Orleans sports-talk show, carved up LSU coach Les Miles for not changing quarterbacks after LSU was shut out by Alabama.

Hebert's rant. which was the first question at LSU's post-game news conference, was pretty strong stuff. The kind of thing only a former player could pull off. Hebert's son, T-Bob, is a Tigers center. Guess it's a good thing he's a senior.

Here's the transcript. . .

HEBERT: Coach Miles, did you ever consider bringing in Jarrett Lee, considering that you weren't taking any chances downfield? Now, I know Alabama's defense is dominant. But, come on, that's ridiculous, five first downs. I mean, so it's almost an approach, I'll tell from you the fans' standpoint, that how can you not maybe push the ball down the field and bring in Jarrett Lee? So what if you get a pick six? It seems like the game plan, that y'all not pushing the ball down the field, considering it's like a Rueben Randle or Odell Beckham, Jr. I know the pass rush of Alabama, but there's no reason why--five first downs?? You have a great defense, LSU is a great defense, but that's ridiculous.

THE MODERATOR: Do you have a question?

Q. That's the question. Do you think you should have pushed the football more down field?

COACH MILES: I think if you watch our calls that we did throw the football down the field. We didn't necessarily get the football down the field.

And I can tell you that the pass rush?? we did consider Jarrett Lee. But we felt like with the pass rush that we were getting that we needed a guy that could move the seat and not sustain that pass rush.

Big Ten bowls & Illini ankles

2012-01-04T20:29:14Z

Out with the old, in with the new. . .

BOWLED OVER AGAIN: Michigan's overtime victory vs. Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl gave the Big Ten a 4-6 mark this bowl season. It's the eighth time in nine years the league has not had a winning post-season record.

One explanation: Because the Big Ten has had an at-large BCS team eight times over that span, its teams have been moving up, and often facing more difficult matchups. That's especially true at the high end. The league is 1-9 in Jan. 1 bowls (played on Jan. 2 as an NFL courtesy this year) the last two years, including a 1-4 mark this season, with Michigan State posting the lone victory, an overtime win vs. Georgia.

The most disappointing setback was probably Northwestern's 33-22 loss to interim-coached Texas A&M. It was the ninth straight bowl loss for NU, which hasn't won a post-season game since the 1948 (season) Rose Bowl

The only Big Ten team, surprisingly, that has emerged smiling from the last two bowl seasons? Illinois, which followed up last year's rout of Baylor and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with a 20-14 defeat of UCLA in this year's Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. It was a much-needed bit of healing for a program changing coaches after ending its season with a six-game losing streak.

MERCILUS GOOD TO GO: Smart move by Whitney Mercilus to declare for the NFL draft. After leading the nation in sacks, Illinois' junior defensive end can't make himself more attractive. The loss will hurt, but Illinois has some good candidates to become formidable defenders, including Akeem Spence and Michael Buchanan.

SAM THE MAN: Of all the little items that have been surfacing on the college beat the last few days, one that grabs my attention is the nagging ankle injury of Illini point guard Sam Maniscalco.

The fifth-year transfer from Bradley has been a great addition at Illinois--a leader and a competitor as well as a steadying influence and a productive clutch scorer. Those are all especially important commodoties to a young Illini team.

Maniscalco, whose pre-season playing time was shortened because of his surgically repaired ankle, has limitations even when the ankle isn't bothering him. He's going to have issues against athletic guards.

But with all that pre-season chatter about Illinois' depth failing to materialize, the Illini's path to a quality season would become much more difficult if Maniscalco's ankle prevents him from continuing the important all-around contribution he's been making so far.

HOOPS HICCUPS: In its second week, the Big Ten basketball race looks a lot murkier than it did before the games began.

But Ohio State is still the team to beat. And Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin are still the next tier.

Wisconsin's little lull--back-to-back home losses--ought to be a concern to Cheeseheads. But the Badgers are young in places, especially upfront. And while Bo Ryan is a maestro, some of his previous teams have hit sour notes early in the Big Ten season, then bounced back well.

Indiana continues to be the most surprising Big Ten squad, especially considering that IU has been over-achieving without Maurice Creek, a potential leading scorer who went down with another season-ending injury.

NU'S ONE-TWO PUNCH: I knew Bill Carmody had a great place to start with John Shurna (18.6 points a game ) and Drew Crawford (17.9). Didn't know they'd be the top two scorers in the Big Ten, though.

Tenuta, Illini for a day, to stay at N.C. State

2012-01-04T18:55:58Z

After just 24 hours on the job, Jon Tenuta has changed his mind. He won't join Tim Beckman's new Illinois staff, where he was expected to be defensive coordinator. He will remain at at North Carolina State for family reasons, the 31-year veteran assistant said Wednesday.

``Illinois is a great program and I think the world of Tim Beckman,'' Tenuta said in a statement released by Illinois. ``I've known Beck for 20 years and I have no doubt that with the staff he is putting together, he will have Illinois at the top of the Big Ten very soon.

``However, my family comes first and I may have made a decision without fully thinking through the situation with them. My son is a senior in high school and has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at N.C. State, and it is something I just don't want to miss. I was one of the first people to contact Beck and congratulate him on the opportunity at Illinois, and I wish him and the Illini nothing but the best.''

Tenuta's change of heart leaves Beckman with four unfilled slots on his staff.

The odd part about this is that Beckman said at various times last month that he either had his whole staff, or all but one assistant, lined up. He was merely waiting for the new staffers to finish up the bowl games of their current teams, he said.

Luke Butkus, who will be offensive line coach, and Chris Beatty, who also will be on the offensive staff, were announced Tuesday along with Tenuta.

Butkus, the nephew of Dick Butkus, is young for an offensive-line coach, but has paid his dues. A three-year starter who finished his career at Illinois in the Sugar Bowl in 2001, he has been a Seatlle Seahawks quality control assistant the last two years. Before that, he was an assistant offensive line coach for three seasons with the Bears.

Beatty is leaving Vanderbilt, where he was wide receivers coach and offensive recruiting coordinator this season. Beatty also has been an assistant at West Virginia (2008-2010), Northern Illinois (2007) and Hampton (2006).

Previously named to Beckman's staff: Keith Gilmore, defensive line coach, who's staying on at Illinois; and two of Beckman's former Toledo assistants, Alex Golesh, who will be an offensive assistant and recruiting coordinator, and longtime Beckman associate Mike Ward, who will be a defensive assistant.

Beckman is leaving the specific position/coordinator assignments of assistants open until he has his whole staff assembled.

Illini assistants do not boycott bowl game

2011-12-31T20:05:16Z

There was no boycott of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on Saturday by Illinois assistant coaches, who were on the field during pre-game activities. They planned to carry out their in-game responsibilities, their former boss, Ron Zook, said.

Offensive-line coach Joe Gilbert had told Sports Illustrated's online edition that he, offensive coordinator Jeff Brohm and tight ends coach Chip Long were considering not coaching.

They wanted university officials to restore--or improve, depending on the interpretation--their severance-pay benefits. They originally were hired at Illinois with two-year contracts, but the two-year deals were not rolled over when they signed new contracts.

``If they want the bowl game to be coached,'' Gilbert said to SI.com this week, ``they better decide they want to treat us the right way.''

After speaking with some of his former assistants, Zook, who was fired on Nov. 27, told ESPN.com that there would be no boycott.

``They're going to coach,'' Zook said. ``They're frustrated. But they're going to coach. They know it's about the kids. But they were trying to make a point. They've got careers, family, all of those things. They're class guys. And it's important that everyone knows they're really good people.''

Angry Illini coaches may boycott bowl game

2011-12-31T00:07:34Z

SAN FRANCISCO--It was already among the strangest bowls in the world.

Illinois (6-6) enters the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN) with a six-game losing streak, which might be unprecedented for a bowl team. UCLA (6-7) needed a waiver from the NCAA to play in a bowl with a losing record.

And the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, which pits two teams that have fired their coaches, keeps getting stranger.

Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas said Friday he was unaware of a threat by four assistant coaches to boycott the game if the university doesn't resolve issues in the exit language of their contracts.

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Joe Gilbert told Sports Illustrated's online edition that he, Jeff Brohm, Chip Long and DeAndre Smith--the entire remaining offensive staff--are considering not coaching when the Illini play UCLA Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN).

However, Smith said through an Illinois spokesman that he is not involved with any possible boycott or the contract squabble..

``If they want the bowl game to be coached,'' Gilbert said on SI.com, ``they better decide they want to treat us the right way.''

The coaches are reportedly upset that a late change to their contracts--which they didn't notice before signing--eliminates what would have been a full year of severance pay.

The situation is adding to the headaches for interim coach Vic Koenning. who's trying to stay out of the controversy.

``If they don't [coach], we'll figure out what the next thing is,'' Koenning said. ``I'm not going to worry about something that hasn't happened yet. I'm trying to worry about how we're gonna stop No. 8 and No. 83 and stay in our gaps.''

No. 8 is junior tight end Joseph Fauria, who has caught six touchdowns, the most by a UCLA receiver since 2005. No. 83 is senior receiver Nelson Rosario, who's fifth in the UCLA record book in career catches (143) and receiving yards (2,307).

New Big Ten, Pac-12 alliance subtle & sensible

2011-12-29T17:03:48Z

Score another shrewd move for Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany.

The plan to strengthen ties with the Pac-12 by increasing athletic competition is a nice subtle response to the expansion mayhem that is sweeping the nation. It will give the two leagues a way to grow the audiences of their television networks without the complications and headaches.

The Big East's frantic trans-continental expansion plans to keep its football league alive are fraught with peril. Even the rock-solid SEC, with its additions of Texas A&M and Missouri, has created the potential for scheduling and geography issues.

Having covered an early-season game in the Rose Bowl--a 6-3 UCLA win over Illinois on Sept. 13, 2003--I can tell you a game like that can be a mere step-child to the Granddaddy of Them All. But it also has the potential to be good stuff--Illinois and Arizona State put on a good show in Champaign in September--if the teams are right.

And a series of Big Ten/Pac-12 nonconference matchups will beat the stuffing out of those endless tuneups in which Northeast Southwest State picks up a guarantee for getting pounded.

It's also a nice tip of the cap to the conferences' Rose Bowl partner and other bowl-system proponents who don't want a Plus-One or playoff system shoved down their throat. By further solidifying ties with the Pac-12, the Big Ten, which has been the conference most concerned with protecting the bowl system, has added a stronger potential ally.

Adding more competitive early-season games to the basketball schedules also seems promising.

The recent additions of Nebraska to the Big Ten, and Utah and Colorado to the Pac-12, are looking like solid moves that give the two leagues conference-championship-game symmetry and television benefits without reaching too far.

This new partnership also seems like a good next step because it allows the leagues to remain flexible.

If Notre Dame ever reverses its field and wants to join the Big Ten, that would be irresistible. In the meantime, since the Irish have given every indication they're not interested, the Big Ten has found a way to turn on more television sets, and enhance recruiting, throughout the vast Pac-12 West.

It's a good move for the Big Ten, another careful advance by Delany in the changing world of big-time college athletics.

ENDIT

Illini runner Ford to miss Kraft Bowl

2011-12-23T22:26:22Z

Leading rusher Jason Ford will miss the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl because he is academically ineligible, Illinois announced Friday. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jake Kumerow did not qualify academically.

Ford ran for 600 yards on 155 carries, a 3.9-yard average, and seven touchdowns this fall. He finishes his career 1,962 career rushing yards, which ranks 16th on the all-time Illinois rushing list, and 26 career rushing touchdowns, which is second in the Illinois record book behind Howard Griffith (31).

Senior Troy Pollard and freshman Donovonn Young will be Illinois' experienced running backs for the bowl game.

Kumerow had three catches for 15 yards this season, all in the finale vs. Minnesota.

Koenning out, Gilmore in on new Illini staff of Beckman

2011-12-14T23:03:58Z

Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning turned down an offer from new Illinois coach Tim Beckman to remain in Champaign on Wednesday.

Koenning, who will remain at Illinois as interim coach for its Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl game vs. UCLA on Dec. 31, is expected to join newly hired North Carolina coach Larry Fedora as the Tar Heels' defensive coordinator.

Defensive coach Keith Gilmore, who has solid recruiting ties in Florida, has accepted Beckman's offer to remain at Illinois.

``When a head coaching change occurs, there are many emotions to deal with,'' Koenning said. ``The support of Illini Nation has been tremendous. I was very honored to be [asked] to remain at Illinois, [but] I feel it is best to explore other opportunities.

Recognizing that Koenning, who headed up a unit that was seventh in total defense and 21s in scoring defense this fall, was very popular as well as successful, Beckman tried to keep him. But it apparently would have been awkward for the two to work together. In addition, Koenning's wife, Tracey, wanted to be closer to her family in Alabama.

``We wish Vic nothing but the best,'' Beckman said. ``He has done fabulous work over the last two seasons, and I know he will remain focused on helping the Fighting Illini prepare for the [bowl] game.''

Beckman, who also was denied his top offensive coordinator candidate when Toledo named Matt Campbell to head coach, will continue to search for his two most important hires.

Retaining Gilmore, who has developed All-America Whitney Mercilus and first-round NFL pick Corey Liuget the last two seasons, is a positive for Illinois' new coach.

``I'm very happy to have Keith Gilmore,'' Beckman said. ``The defensive line was the strongest area of the team and Coach Gilmore did a great job. He's a strong recruiter and will be a great asset for the program.''

Illini coach Beckman asks Koenning to stay on as defensive coordinator

2011-12-13T20:12:10Z

New Illinois coach Tim Beckman has asked Vic Koenning, who has ratcheted up Illinois' defense in his two years in Champaign, to continue in his position as defensive coordinator, Koenning said Tuesday.

Koenning, who is serving as the Illini's interim coach for its Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl appearance, said he plans to make a decision by Wednesday.

``He said he'd like me to stay,'' Koenning said after practice. ``There's a lot of things to consider. I'm so humbled by the amount of people that have called or e-mailed, all the attention that's been put on me. We set every record at Clemson and didn't have this kind of support.''

It's official. Beckman new Illini coach, replaces Zook

2011-12-09T20:02:39Z

Here's the official news release that Illinois has put out to introduce its new football coach. . .

Tim Beckman Chosen to Lead Illini Football

Becomes 23rd Head Coach in Illinois History

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Tim Beckman was named the 23rd head football coach at the University of Illinois by director of athletics Mike Thomas Friday. Beckman comes to Illinois after three years as head coach at Toledo, where he led the Rockets to two bowl appearances and a Mid-American Conference West Division co-championship.

"I am very excited to introduce Tim Beckman as the new head football coach at the University of Illinois," Thomas said. "He brings an impressive resume to Illinois and is highly regarded within the entire coaching community. Coach Beckman sold me on his vision for Illinoisfootball throughout the interview process. He is a proven recruiter, has worked alongside some of the nation's top coaches, will have high standards for academic and athletic success, and is a great fit for the Fighting Illini."

"I certainly want to thank Mike Thomas, Chancellor Wise and President Hogan for this outstanding opportunity at the University of Illinois," Beckman said. "We will work tirelessly in building the football program to compete for Big Ten and national championships, and be a source of pride for Fighting Illini fans across the nation. We will recruit the very best student-athletes to represent the University and will work extremely hard to develop strong relationshipswithin the state of Illinois."

"We're excited to welcome Tim Beckman into the Illinois family," Illinois Chancellor Phyllis Wise said. "He understands that excellence, in academics and athletics, is both a tradition and an expectation here. Coach Beckman's proven ability to help student athletes achieve great success on the field, in the classroom and after graduation established him as the clear choice to lead our football program."

Beckman engineered an impressive turnaround at Toledo in his three years at the helm after inheriting a team that went 3-9 in 2008. The Rockets improved to 5-7 in 2009 before going 8-5 with a 7-1 record in the MAC, and a berth in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in 2010. Toledo posted an 8-4 record this season, including another 7-1 MAC record, a share of the MAC West Division title and a berth in the Military Bowl. In the last two seasons, Beckman has compiled a 14-2 record in MAC games, second-best in the conference over that span.

He has learned under some of the finest coaches in America, including Pat Dye,Urban Meyer, Mike Gundy and Jim Tressel. When he guided the Rockets to an 8-4 regular-season record and a bowl appearance in 2010, it was UT's first since 2005. In addition, his last two recruiting classes have been widely praised, earning a No. 1 ranking among MAC teams by Rivals.com in both seasons after landing two of the three four-star prospects signed by conference schools.

Beckman sent a pair of Toledo players to the NFL in defensive back Barry Church andreceiver Stephen Williams in 2010, and had three players earn first-team All-MAC honors in 2011, including Eric Page, who earned first-team honors as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner.

Before accepting Toledo's head coaching position, Beckman had 21 years of experience as an assistant coach. He served as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State (2007-08), the cornerbacks coach at Ohio State (2005-06), the defensive coordinator/assistant head coach at Bowling Green (1998-2004), the defensive coordinator at Elon (1996-97), the secondary coach/recruiting coordinator at Western Carolina (1990-95) and as a graduate assistant at Auburn (1988- 89).

Beckman's two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State were successful, as the Cowboys posted a 16-10 record, including a 9-4 mark in 2008 and an appearance in the Holiday Bowl. In 2007, the Cowboys went 7-6, including a win over Indiana in the Insight Bowl.

At Ohio State, Beckman mentored the Buckeye cornerbacks. During his stay at Ohio State, the Buckeyes were 22-3 and played in two BCS bowl games. Along the way, he coached six All-Big Ten defensive backs and five future NFL players. His final game as a coach withOhio State was the 2007 BCS National Championship Game against Florida, where Beckman faced his former boss from his days at Bowling Green, Urban Meyer.

At Bowling Green, Beckman was a three-time nominee for the Frank Broyles Award, presented annually to thenation's top assistant coach. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2001 and College Football News named him one of the country's top defensive coordinators. During his stay at Bowling Green, the Falcons won two bowl games, a MAC East division title and finished ranked in the national polls in 2003.

Beckman began his coaching career in 1988 as a graduate assistant at Auburn, where he earned his master's degree in education. His first full-time coaching job came at Western Carolina, where he coached the secondary and served as recruiting coordinator from 1990-95. Beckman then served as the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Elon College from 1996-97 before moving on to Bowling Green.

Beckman started his collegiate playing career at Kentucky but transferred to Findlay and excelled under Hall of Fame head coach Dick Strahm. A 1988 graduate of Findlay, Beckman majored in physical education and lettered in 1984 and 1985 on Oiler teams that qualified for the NAIA playoffs both seasons. Prior to that, he attended Forest Park High School in Beaumont, Texas, for two years before completing high school at Berea (Ohio) High School near Cleveland.

Beckman is a native of Berea, Ohio. He and his wife, Kim, have three children: Tyler (20), Lindsay (18), and Alex (14). Tyler is a sophomore quarterback at the University of Findlay, while Lindsay is a freshman at Toledo.

Head Coach Tim Beckman

Beckman Head Coaching Record

Year School Record MAC Highlights

2009 Toledo 5-7 3-5

2010 Toledo 8-5 7-1 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

2011 Toledo 8-4 7-1 MAC West Co-Champ/Military Bowl

Career 3 Years 21-16 17-7

Beckman's Coaching Experience

Year School Position

2011- Illinois Head Coach

2009-11 Toledo Head Coach

2007-08 Oklahoma State Defensive Coordinator

2005-06 Ohio State Cornerbacks

1998-04 Bowling Green Defensive Coordinator/Asst. Head Coach

1996-97 Elon Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator

1990-95 Western Carolina Secondary/Recruiting Coordinator

1988-89 Auburn Graduate Assistant

Bowl games participated in as a coach

2010 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

2007 Insight Bowl

2007 BCS National Championship Game

2005 Fiesta Bowl

2004 GMAC Bowl

2003 Motor City Bowl

1989 Hall of Fame

1988 Sugar Bowl

NFL players coached by Tim Beckman

Barry Church, Toledo (Dallas Cowboys)

Stephen Williams, Toledo (Arizona Cardinals)

Tyler Everett, Ohio State (Dallas Cowboys)

Brandon Mitchell, Ohio State (Houston Texans)

Nate Salley, Ohio State (Carolina Panthers)

Donte Whitner, Ohio State (Buffalo Bills)

Donovan Woods, Oklahoma State (Pittsburgh)

Ashton Youboty, Ohio State (Buffalo Bills)

Playing career

University of Kentucky, 1983

University of Findlay, 1984-87

Education

B.S. degree, physical education, University of Findlay, 1988

M.S. degree, education, Auburn University, 1994

Personal information

Date of Birth: Jan. 19, 1965

Hometown: Berea, Ohio

Family: Wife: Kim; Children: Tyler (20), Lindsay (18) and Alex (14).

Illini closing in on Beckman, from Toledo

2011-12-08T17:18:54Z

Rejected by Houston's Kevin Sumlin, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas is closing in on Toledo coach Tim Beckman, a defense-oriented coach who has worked for Mike Gundy, Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, multiple sources said Thursday morning.

Beckman is in his third year at Toledo, which was 8-4 this year, including losses to Ohio State, Boise State, a wild 63-60 loss to Northern Illinois and a controversial 33-30 overtime loss at Syracuse.

Beckman, 46, fits Thomas' leanings toward hiring someone with head-coaching experience and looking to his Mid-American Conference roots. The MAC has been a fertile league lately, spawning Meyer, Michigan coach Brady Hoke and Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, among others.

Toledo, which will play Air Force in the Military Bowl on Dec. 28, was 8-5 last year and 5-7 in 2009, Beckman's first season as the Rockets coach.

Beckman was Oklahoma State's defensive coordinator in 2007-08 and cornerbacks coach at Ohio State in 2005-06. He was defensive coordinator at Bowling Green in 1998-2004.

Many Illini boosters were enthusiastic about Sumlin because of his dynamic Houston offenses and because Illinois and Purdue are the only Big Ten schools that have not had a black head coach in football or men's basketball.

Beyond Sumlin, Cincinnati coach Butch Jones reportedly turned down the Illinois job. And a source said others also were said no.

Illini focus turns to Sumlin amid Monken denials

2011-12-06T18:32:23Z

Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken looks like he'd be a very good fit at Illinois. But Monken, a Wheaton native who recruits well in Illinois and is in charge of the nation's second-highest scoring offense, said Tuesday that he has not talked with Illinois officials.

And there indications that Houston coach Kevin Sumlin is the apple of Illinois' eye. Sumlin, who has assembled an impressive offense at Houston, has head-coaching experience, which athletic director Mike Thomas favors.

Beyond being an exciting hire from a football standpoint, he would be the first African-American head coach of a major sport (football/men's basketball) at Illinois, one of only two Big Ten schools (along with Purdue) that have not had a high-profile minority head coach.

With Texas A&M, North Carolina and other schools trying to hire coaches, it appears that there was a lot negotiating going on, which made it difficult to see where Illinois was headed.

Monken, who'd probably jump for a chance to coach at Illinois, acknowledged that his agent has communicated with Illinois officials, but said he has not spoken with anyone from the Illinois athletic department.

``I have not been interviewed by Illinois and I have no interview set,'' Monken told the Tulsa World.

Cowboys coach Mike Gundy has not been asked by Illinois officials for permission to talk with Monken, an Oklahoma State spokesman said.

``I'm in Houston recruiting for Oklahoma State University and I have not heard from anyone about that job,'' Monken told the Daily Oklahoman.

It's not clear if this means Monken is not a candidate--or if he and Illinois officials are trying to keep a lid on things while negotiations go on behind the scenes.

Athletic director Mike Thomas could unveil Illinois' new football coach as early as today, and signs point toward Monken.

Signs also point away from Monken. If he's not Thomas' choice, Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, Houston coach Kevin Sumlin or a surprise candidate can't be ruled out.

Chryst doesn't have the flair for recruiting that Illinois needs, a source said. And Sumlin, who has far more options than Monken, would command a higher salary and might not want to come to Illinois, which has proven to be a difficult place to be successful. Monken currently earns $400,000 at Oklahoma State; Sumlin is in position to command at least $2 million, whether he remains at Houston or leaves.

On the other hand, Illini fans were trumpeting a Tweet from a Florida Panhandle radio station saying, ``Houston's Kevin Sumlin looks to be in as head coach at Illinois.''

Details, let alone confirmation facts, were conspicuously absent.

Whether Monken, who has turned down interest from Tulane and Memphis, is hired at Illinos or elsewhere, he would be the fifth in the last six Oklahoma State offensive coordinators to become a head coach, following Les Miles (LSU), Gundy , Larry Fedora (Southern Miss) and Dana Holgorsen (West Virginia).

Sources familiar with the offense of Monken and Sumlin say Monken's offensive upside compares very favorably with Sumlin's.

``Monken uses a spread attack, with a commitment to the running game,'' a source said. ``That's why he and Dana will be good head coaches. They're not gimmick guys. They have much more balance than most spread coaches.''

Under the quickest scenario, Illinois could announce its new coach after the 5 p.m. window for applications closes later today, and introduce him at a press conference on Wednesday.

If Thomas hires an offense-oriented head coach, there's a strong possibility defensive coordinator Vic Koenning would remain at Illinois. Koenning, who's serving as interim coach for Illinois' Kraft Bowl meeting with UCLA on Dec. 31, has expressed interest in remaining in Champaign, and has done an impressive job with the defense in his two years there.

Monken has received an oral commitment from Downstate quarterback Wes Lunt, who led Rochester, near Springfield, to the Class 4A title last month.

``He said he received no contact from Illinois,'' Lunt, who was in Stillwater last weekend for the Cowboys' 44-10 rout of Oklahoma, told the Springfield Journal-Register. ``I believed him when he said that. He's been offered some jobs. He said Illinois would be an amazing gig for him, but he had no contact from them.''

Under Monken, who's in his first season as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator, Oklahoma State is averaging 49.3 points a game, second in the nation, and finished third in the BCS standings behind LSU and Alabama. A 37-31 double-ovetime upset loss at Iowa State on Nov. 18 is the only defeat for the Cowboys (11-1).

Before returning to Stillwater, where he was passing game coordinator in 2002-04, Monken had spent two years at LSU's passing game coordinator (2005-06) and four years as receivers coach for the NFL Jacksonvill Jaguars (2007-10).

Monken, a 1989 graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, where he was a quarterback, comes from a long line of Illinois high school coaches.

Twelve Monkens have gone into coaching. They include Monken's father and four uncles, who all became high school head coaches, and seven sons of those five brothers. Monken's cousin, Jeff Monken, is head coach at Georgia Southern.