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Illinois names Bucs DL coach Mike Phair co-defensive coordinator
Illinois is bringing in a coach with more than a decade of NFL experience to help run its defense.
Illini head coach Tim Beckman announced Friday that Mike Phair, most recently the assistant defensive line coach of the Tampa Bay Bucs, has been named co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
"I am extremely pleased to add someone of Coach Phair's caliber to our coaching staff," Beckman said. "He is established as one of the rising defensive line coaches in the profession and is greatly prepared to take on the role as our co-defensive coordinator.”
Before his one season with the Bucs, Phair was a defensive assistant with the Bears from 2011-13 and with the Seahawks from 2008-2010. Before he moved into coaching, Phair also spent three years as a scout for the Seahawks and three more years as a college scout for the Bucs from 2002-04.
“His work with Lovie Smith, Mark Trestman, Rod Marinelli and Joe Cullen has provided an incredible amount of experience,” Beckman said. “Mike has worked with some outstanding defensive linemen during his career, and we are really looking forward to what he brings to the table."
Phair also had previous college coaching experience at Tiffin (Ohio) University and Arizona State, his alma mater.
The hire of Phair for Illinois comes after Missouri defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski removed his name from consideration for the job late in the process. In fact, it was reported that Kuligowski considered the Illinois offer for several weeks before ultimately deciding to stick with the Tigers.
Phair replaces Greg Colby, who was fired in early January. He'll assume co-defensive coordinator duties with current assistant Tim Banks, who also coaches the Illini secondary.
For more Illinois news, visit OrangeandBlueNews.com.
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