Illinois football defensive coordinator Aaron Henry is leaving the program to join Notre Dame.
Henry had spent the last 3 seasons as the Illini defensive coordinator, having been at Illinois since 2021.
In 2023, Henry took over as defensive coordinator for the Orange and Blue. In the two seasons before Henry took over the defense, 2021 and 2022, Illinois ranked No. 25 and No. 2, respectively, in scoring defense. Over the last three seasons with Henry at the helm, 2023, 2024, and 2025, Illinois has ranked No. 84, No. 41, and No. 62, respectively, in scoring defense.
Notre Dame is expected to hire Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as a co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 1, 2026
Has been a key figure in Illinois posting 19 wins the last two seasons, the winningest two-year run in school history. pic.twitter.com/r7J1W0c3A8
His addition to Marcus Freeman’s staff will come as somewhat of a demotion for Henry as he takes on the role of defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator.
Despite some fans’ wishes, the Illini seemed content to keep Henry on the staff heading into next year.
A move to another team was not widely rumored, much less a downgrade in job title. Given the team's questionable defense last year and Notre Dame’s stature as an elite program, the move is incredibly intriguing.
Where does Illinois football go with the defensive coordinator opening
Regardless of thoughts or feelings about the move, the Illini will have to regroup and look for a new coordinator.
An in-house promotion may be coming, given Bret Bielema’s tendency to reward coaches and promote from within, but Illinois’ reputation as of late as a star-studded defensive unit could draw the interest from coordinators in smaller programs looking to establish themselves.
Although the coaching staff has seen some shakeup as of late, the important constant is Bielema. His seasoned past should instill hope in Illini fans that the next coaching hire will be productive in working towards the sustained success he has built.