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Former Montana Coach Bobby Hauck Ends Retirement, Joins Illinois as Defensive Coordinator
Hauck, the Big Sky Conference's all-time wins leader, will take over Illinois' defense after a brief retirement.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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Bobby Hauck, the former head coach of the Montana Grizzlies, has ended his brief retirement to become the new defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois. Hauck, who is the Big Sky Conference's all-time wins leader with a 151-43 record, led the Grizzlies to four national championship games in 13 playoff appearances over 14 seasons before retiring last week, citing changes in college football that made the job less enjoyable. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was able to convince Hauck to join his staff, replacing Aaron Henry who left to take a co-defensive coordinator role at Notre Dame.
Why it matters
Hauck's hiring is a major coup for Illinois, as he brings a wealth of experience and success at the FCS level to bolster the Fighting Illini's defense. His track record of leading Montana to consistent playoff appearances and championship contention should provide a significant boost to an Illinois team that finished just outside the AP Top 25 last season.
The details
Hauck retired last Wednesday, saying he didn't enjoy his job anymore because of the changes in college football in recent years. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was able to convince the 61-year-old Hauck to join his staff as the new defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Henry who left to take a co-defensive coordinator role at Notre Dame. Hauck has an extensive coaching resume, leading UNLV from 2010-2014 and serving as an assistant at several other programs including San Diego State, Washington, Colorado, Northern Arizona, UCLA and Montana.
- Hauck retired from coaching on February 4, 2026.
- Hauck was hired as Illinois' new defensive coordinator on February 10, 2026.
The players
Bobby Hauck
The 61-year-old Hauck is the Big Sky Conference's all-time wins leader with a 151-43 record, leading the Montana Grizzlies to four national championship games in 13 playoff appearances over 14 seasons.
Bret Bielema
The head coach of the University of Illinois, who was able to convince Hauck to join his staff as the new defensive coordinator.
Aaron Henry
The former Illinois defensive coordinator who left to take a co-defensive coordinator role at Notre Dame.
What they’re saying
“I want to enjoy my career and my job, and a lot of the head coach stuff in current-day Division I college football is not enjoyable.”
— Bobby Hauck, Former Montana Head Coach (ipmnewsroom.org)
“Since meeting coach Hauck early on in my head coaching career, I have had tremendous respect for who he is, what he stands for, and the program he has built.”
— Bret Bielema, Illinois Head Coach (ipmnewsroom.org)
What’s next
Hauck will begin his new role as Illinois' defensive coordinator immediately, as the Fighting Illini look to build on their 9-4 season and push for a spot in the AP Top 25 in 2026.
The takeaway
Hauck's hiring represents a major coup for Illinois, as they bring in an experienced and successful defensive mind to bolster their coaching staff. His track record of leading Montana to consistent playoff appearances and championship contention should provide a significant boost to an Illinois team looking to take the next step in the Big Ten.
