Illinois splits with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after allowing 42 points to No. 5 Ohio State

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A blowout loss to Ohio State has led to a September defensive coordinator change at Illinois.

The Illini announced Sunday afternoon that defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck was no longer with the team. In a statement, coach Bret Bielema said that he and Hauck met Sunday morning "and mutually agreed that a change in leadership was in the best interests of our defense."

Hauck, a former head coach at UNLV, was hired in the offseason to lead the Illinois defense after spending the past eight seasons in charge at Montana.

"I enjoyed being a part of the staff here at Illinois and working alongside Coach Bielema every day," Hauck said in a school statement. "I am very appreciative of the opportunity to be here and thankful for all of the hard work from the players, coaches and staff."

Illinois fell to 2-2 after losing 42-19 to the No. 5 Buckeyes on Saturday. Ohio State had 518 yards of offense and averaged 7.6 yards per play in the win. Star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns, while QB Julian Sayin was 27-of-36 passing for 367 yards.

The Illini are allowing 26.5 points per game and 5.7 yards per play so far this season. The team's three FBS opponents have scored at least 23 points per game and Duke averaged 6.6 yards per play in its 31-27 Week 2 win.

Hauck had a successful stint at Montana, as the Grizzlies went 151-43 in his time with the school. Montana made the semifinals of the FCS playoffs in 2025, but he stepped down in January. When announcing his departure, Hauck said that dealing with what comes in modern college football "is not always enjoyable as a head coach."

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