Illinois Hires Former HBCU Coach Tyrone Wheatley

Wheatley joins Fighting Illini staff as running backs coach after successful stints at Morgan State and in the NFL.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The University of Illinois has hired former HBCU head coach Tyrone Wheatley to join its coaching staff as the new running backs coach. Wheatley, who previously served as the head coach at Morgan State and in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, brings a wealth of experience developing productive rushing attacks at both the college and professional levels.

Why it matters

Wheatley's hiring represents a significant addition to the Illinois coaching staff, as the Fighting Illini look to bolster their running game and build on their recent success under head coach Bret Bielema. Wheatley's track record of developing top-tier running backs could provide a major boost to the Illinois offense.

The details

Wheatley, a former standout running back at the University of Michigan, has spent the last several years honing his coaching skills. After serving as a position coach in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, he took over as the head coach at Morgan State in 2019. During his time with the Bears, Wheatley led the program to new heights before accepting the running backs coach position at Illinois.

  • Wheatley was the head coach at Morgan State from 2019 to 2021.
  • He served as the running backs coach for the Denver Broncos in 2022.
  • Wheatley has now been hired as the running backs coach at the University of Illinois for the 2023 season.

The players

Tyrone Wheatley

A former NFL player and HBCU head coach, Wheatley brings a wealth of experience to the Illinois coaching staff as the new running backs coach.

Bret Bielema

The head coach of the University of Illinois, Bielema expressed excitement about adding Wheatley to his staff and believes he will have an immediate impact on the program.

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What they’re saying

“I want to sincerely thank Coach Bielema for his trust, belief, and invitation to join his staff. Coach Bielema has built a culture defined by toughness, discipline, and accountability. To coach under a leader with his experience, vision, and championship pedigree is an absolute honor. To the Illini community, alumni, players, and fans, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to getting to work.”

— Tyrone Wheatley, New Running Backs Coach (Illinois Athletics)

“Coach Wheatley is an accomplished coach with proven success in both the NFL and college football. Our program will benefit immediately from his experience as a running backs coach and head coach. He has been an outstanding player and coach in the Big Ten and has developed some of the top running backs in football. We are excited to welcome Coach Wheatley to Champaign.”

— Bret Bielema, Head Coach (Illinois Athletics)

What’s next

Wheatley will begin his duties as the Illinois running backs coach immediately, as the Fighting Illini prepare for the upcoming 2023 season.

The takeaway

Tyrone Wheatley's hiring represents a significant coup for the Illinois football program, as they have added an experienced and proven coach with a track record of developing top-tier running backs at both the college and professional levels. This move could provide a major boost to the Fighting Illini's offense as they look to build on their recent success under head coach Bret Bielema.