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Illinois Football: 5 options for the Illini offensive coordinator job

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Fans wave the ‘Hail to the Orange’ flag over Dad’s day as the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Michigan State Spartans during the Big Ten Conference game on November 5, 2016, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Buster Faulkner – Offensive Coordinator Arkansas State

There are a few names that peak my interest that some other people might not like. But, I really like the vision of having Arkansas State offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner as the next Illini offensive coordinator.

Faulkner is now two years into the job with the Red Wolves and the team looks great on offense. This past season, they scored an average of 36.9 PPG, which is almost 10 points higher than their 27.7 PPG average the previous season.

I also really like how he helped developed quarterback Justice Hansen as well. He threw for 3,967 yards, 37 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this past season. He was also an effective runner as well, rushing for 423 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.

Faulkner has a lot of experience as well. Before his two-year stint with Arkansas State, he was the offensive coordinator for four years with Middle Tennessee. In all four years as offensive coordinator with Middle Tennessee, the team improved in points per game average. I like to see improvement year-by-year.

Getting a coach with solid experience, an ability to develop quarterbacks and someone who can come in and win right away is key. I think Faulkner can do all of that immediately.

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