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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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November 22, 2014: University of Illinois’ fans celebrate a 16-14 win over Penn State at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. (Photo by Paul Bergstrom/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
November 22, 2014: University of Illinois’ fans celebrate a 16-14 win over Penn State at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. (Photo by Paul Bergstrom/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /

3. Warren Ruggiero – Offensive Coordinator Wake Forest

Wake Forest hasn’t exactly been a destination program for recruits. They had a few good years in the mid-2000’s but that was about it. But, they have now made two straight bowl games and people are taking notice. That is why I think Illinois needs to pounce on their offensive coordinator, Warren Ruggiero.

Ruggiero has coached three seasons with the Demon Deacons as their offensive coordinator. Before his stint with Wake Forest, he helped lead Bowling Green to some of the best seasons they have had in program history.

When Ruggiero took over the Wake Forest program, the team averaged 14.1 points per game which ranked No. 126 in the nation out of 128 teams. In year one, he raised it that average up to 15.3 PPG. In year two, he then got it up to 18.9 PPG. Finally, last season, the coaching staff got their players into the program and Wake Forest averaged 32.1 PPG which ranked No. 33 in the nation. This was an amazing improvement.

Illinois is in a similar situation on offense. They have really nice pieces coming in but they need an offensive coordinator who can improve that side of the ball. Ruggiero would be that guy.

It would be hard to pull him from Wake Forest, but Josh Whitman is willing to dump money into the program and to compete with the best, Illinois is going to need to attract some big-time talent like Ruggiero. This would be a great hire.

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