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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 – SEPTEMBER 17: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Eric Morris – Offensive Coordinator Texas Tech

One of the most high-powered offenses in the nation year in and year out is Texas Tech. They always have good players coming in and their offense is amazing. That is why going after their offensive coordinator, Eric Morris, is a good idea.

Morris has been the offensive coordinator for the past four seasons with the Red Raiders. In that time, he has helped develop this Texas Tech offensive from a team averaging 29.5 points per game, which ranked No. 48 in the nation, to a team who has averaged 43.9 PPG, 41.4 PPG and 32.5 PPG in each of the last three seasons.

The quarterback Morris developed this past season threw for 3,963 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Before this past season, Morris helped develop Patrick Mahomes into the No. 10 pick in the NFL Draft last year.

Morris has the accolades of a great offensive coordinator. Some may not think he is a realistic possibility, but I think it wouldn’t be too difficult to pry him away from Texas Tech. That team is a losing season away from cleaning house. Kliff Kingsbury was on the hot seat entering this season, and just a few weeks ago they confirmed he would be around another year. This would be a perfect time for Morris to bolt the program.

This would be a great hire for Lovie Smith and the Illini. Morris has the accolades like previously mentioned, and he has connections in the state of Texas. This would be huge for recruiting.

Honestly, if I had to choose one coach off this list to be the next offensive coordinator, I would pick Morris. I think he would be a home run hire.

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