Illinois football is experiencing some changes in its coaching staff as two assistants are set to move on from the program. Offensive line coach Bob McClain and linebackers coach Miles Smith have both decided to pursue other opportunities, leaving head coach Bret Bielema with two vacancies to fill before the start of the upcoming season.
McClain joined the Illini coaching staff in 2018 and played a key role in developing the team’s offensive line during his time with the program. Under his guidance, the offensive line saw significant improvement and helped pave the way for the team’s success on the field. McClain’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the coaching staff, but Bielema is already on the lookout for a suitable replacement to continue the progress made by the offensive line.
Meanwhile, Smith’s departure comes as a surprise to many, as he had been with the Illini for just one year after joining the staff in 2020. Despite his short tenure, Smith made a positive impact on the team and helped mentor the linebackers to achieve success on the field. His departure will also leave a gap in the coaching staff, but Bielema is confident in his ability to find a qualified replacement to continue the development of the linebackers.
In a statement addressing the departures, Bielema expressed his gratitude to both McClain and Smith for their contributions to the program and wished them success in their future endeavors. He also assured fans that he is committed to finding the right candidates to fill the vacancies and continue building a strong coaching staff for the upcoming season.
As Illinois football prepares for the new season, the team will be faced with the task of adjusting to the changes in the coaching staff. With two key positions to fill, Bielema will be looking to find coaches who can help carry on the progress made by McClain and Smith and contribute to the team’s success on the field.
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