Illinois State Head Football Coach Discusses Playoff Run and Rockford Roots

Brock Spack led the Redbirds to the FCS Championship game despite being heavy underdogs in four straight playoff games.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brock Spack, the head football coach at Illinois State University, recently sat down to discuss his team's remarkable playoff run this past season, where they won four straight road games as heavy underdogs to reach the FCS Championship game. Spack also reflected on his Rockford roots, the success of former Rockford-area players on his teams, and how Illinois State has been a great fit for him as a coach.

Why it matters

Spack's success at the FCS level with Illinois State has made him one of the most accomplished football coaches to come out of the Rockford area. His team's improbable playoff run showcased the program's ability to compete at the highest levels of college football, despite the challenges of being a mid-major program.

The details

Under Spack's 17-year tenure, Illinois State has become one of the winningest FCS programs, reaching the championship game twice. This past season, the Redbirds pulled off an incredible playoff run, winning four straight road games as heavy underdogs to reach the title game before falling to Montana State in overtime. Spack, a Rockford East High School alum, has also had success recruiting and developing players from the Rockford area, including standouts like Keondre Jackson, Zeke Vandenburgh, James Robinson, and Sean Slattery.

  • The Redbirds won four straight playoff games on the road this past season.
  • Illinois State reached the FCS Championship game, where they lost to Montana State in overtime.

The players

Brock Spack

The head football coach at Illinois State University, who is one of the most successful coaches to come out of the Rockford area.

Keondre Jackson

A former standout player from the Rockford area who played for Spack at Illinois State.

Zeke Vandenburgh

Another former Rockford-area player who had success playing for Spack at Illinois State.

James Robinson

A notable player from the Rockford area who played for Spack at Illinois State.

Sean Slattery

One more Rockford-area player who found success playing for Spack at Illinois State.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Spack's ability to build a consistent winner at the FCS level with Illinois State, while also recruiting and developing top talent from his Rockford roots, has cemented his status as one of the most accomplished football coaches to come out of the Rockford area.