Say what you want about the Illinois defense — most of it bad — but there is a very human side to Hardy Nickerson's unexpected departure as coordinator.
We got to know the longtime NFL linebacker as a person — most of it good.
Friendly, honest and decent. You didn't see him ranting and raving at his players. I'm not sure I ever heard him curse.
Why did he leave? The official answer is health reasons.
Stop there for a moment. Anyone who came in contact with Nickerson wants him to be OK. If it is a serious ailment, the hope is that he recovers.