CHAMPAIGN — Just days after announcing his retirement from Montana, Bobby Hauck has accepted the position of defensive coordinator for the University of Illinois. Hauck, 61, cited a lack of enjoyment with the current state of college football as the reason for his initial departure.
A Rapid Transition
Hauck announced his retirement last Wednesday, stating that “a lot of the head coach stuff in current day Division I college football is not enjoyable.” However, Bret Bielema quickly offered Hauck a new role. Hauck will replace Aaron Henry, who recently left to become co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Notre Dame.
The new Illinois defensive coordinator will also be tasked with hiring a new defensive line coach, following Terrance Jamison’s departure to the Buffalo Bills.
A Familiar Scheme
Hauck’s arrival signals a shift in defensive strategy for the Illini. Bielema described Hauck’s scheme as “an exciting new style that has never been seen here at Illinois.” The defense will transition to a 3-3-5 formation. Hauck developed this scheme while at San Diego State and refined it during his time at Montana.
Hauck’s defenses at Montana consistently ranked highly in the Big Sky Conference, finishing in the top five in scoring defense, total defense, and sacks for eight consecutive seasons. They also forced turnovers in the top 10 nationally three times in the last five years, including 27 in 2025.
Hauck brings nearly four decades of coaching experience to Illinois, including previous stops at UNLV, Washington, Colorado, Northern Arizona, UCLA, and San Diego State. He began his coaching career at Montana in the late 1980s.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Illinois football program,” Hauck said in an official release. “I have a great feeling about the players, the coaches and the future of this program.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Bobby Hauck’s initial retirement?
Bobby Hauck announced his retirement Wednesday, stating that he was no longer enjoying the demands of being a Division I college football head coach.
What defensive backs are expected to be key players for Illinois?
Xavier Scott and Matthew Bailey are expected to be key players on the Illinois defensive roster.
How long was Bobby Hauck the head coach at Montana?
Bobby Hauck coached at Montana for a total of 14 seasons across two stints, from 2003-2009 and again from 2018-2025.
Will Hauck’s experience translate to success in the Big Ten Conference?
