Illinois parts ways with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck following heavy loss to Ohio State.

Illinois has parted ways with first-year defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck after four games, following a 42-19 loss to No. 7 Ohio State. Coach Bret Bielema said he and Hauck mutually agreed a change in defensive leadership was best for the team; Illinois has not announced who will take over the duties. The decision followed a difficult start for the defense, which ranked near the bottom nationally in several categories, including total yards and scoring defense. The Ohio State game featured defensive lapses, including Illinois having only nine players on the field for a late touchdown.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith scored four touchdowns in the 42-19 win over Illinois.
Hauck joined Illinois in February after retiring as Montana’s head coach; he replaced Aaron Henry, who left to become a Notre Dame secondary coach.
Illinois was allowing 255 passing yards per game, the most in the Big Ten, and ranked 128th nationally in sacks, averaging 0.75 per game.
After the Ohio State loss, Bret Bielema said he could not understand Illinois having only nine players on the field for a play; he also said Ohio State knew Illinois’ calls on two explosive plays.
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