Illinois and defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck are parting ways after just four games and a challenging start for the Illini defense.
In a statement, coach Bret Bielema said Hauck reached out ahead of their normal Sunday meeting. The two agreed that a leadership change was best for the team. Illinois' defense ranks 101st nationally in points allowed under Hauck, the former Montana coach in his first season as playcaller.
"Coach Hauck and I agreed this is the best path forward for our staff, and most importantly, our student-athletes, at this time," Bielema said in a statement. "I would like to thank Bobby for his work with our program."
Bielema did not announce a new playcaller on Sunday but said in the statement, "We have a plan to move our program forward. We are communicating that plan internally to our staff and players today." Bielema is expected to reveal a new defensive coordinator on Monday.
Hauck briefly retired from Montana in January before joining Illinois' staff for his first-ever stint as a defensive coordinator. Bielema hoped Hauck's 3-3-5 scheme would spark a defense that fell off a bit in 2025. But Illinois allowed 31 points in a Week 2 home loss to Duke and 42 in Saturday's loss at No. 7 Ohio State.
The 62-year-old Hauck went 166-92 as a college coach at Montana (two stints) and UNLV.
"I enjoyed being a part of the staff here at Illinois and working alongside Coach Bielema every day," Hauck said in a statement. "I wish Illinois the best of luck."