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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Illinois Football Coaching Candidates: Greg Schiano, Pat Narduzzi Reportedly Listed

And here we have an actual report from the Chicago Tribune's Shannon Ryan on who might replace Ron Zook as the Illinois Fighting Illini head coach. Michigan St. Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano, and Toledo Rockets head coach Tim Beckman make this list.

Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is also a reported candidate, making Illinois' coaching search look both quick and thorough. They've had time to prepare for this one.

Schiano's name appears in virtually every coaching candidates list that isn't meant for Texases or Floridas. He turned down the Michigan Wolverines job during their hasty search that settled on Rich Rodriguez, though it's hard to say whether he was turning down Michigan's football program or Michigan's administration. Illinois appears to be doing a better job now than Michigan did then, though that's also true of the way you brushed your teeth this morning. Great work!

For more on the Fighting Illini, visit Illinois blog Hail to the Orange, and here's our 2011 Coaching Carousel Tracker.

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