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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: A fan of Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith cheers after the game against the Michigan State Spartansat Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: A fan of Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith cheers after the game against the Michigan State Spartansat Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Noel Mazzone – Offensive Coordinator Texas A&M

There are some big fish out there for the Illini to possibly snag as their next offensive coordinator. One reach for the next man to take the job is current – soon to be former – Texas A&M offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone.

Mazzone, I believe, is still coaching the bowl game for Texas A&M coming up but after that, I wouldn’t doubt if he is let go by incoming head coach Jimbo Fisher. This would leave him as one of the most highly sought-after coaching candidates out there.

There have already been rumors of Mazzone landing at other SEC programs, but I would like to see Illinois make a push for him if they don’t go after some of the other candidates on this list. I really like Mazzone’s resume.

The last two seasons as the Texas A&M offensive coordinator have been solid. The team ranked in the top 40 in offense, which is good against SEC defenses. Before he was with the Aggies, he was the UCLA offensive coordinator for four seasons. While with the Bruins, the offense averaged between 32.2 PPG and 36.9 PPG every season. This would be a major upgrade for the Illini.

In addition to Mazzone being a good coach, he can also get talented recruits to come to Illinois as well. He can really help pull in some talented guys from Texas and California.

Is Mazzone a likely hire? No, and honestly, he isn’t my top three. But, if Illinois would hire him, I wouldn’t mind because he does bring really good coaching to the table.

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