CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Football defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson resigned Monday morning, per a press release from the University.
“Hardy informed me yesterday that he felt it was in the program’s best interest to leave our staff,” head coach Lovie Smith said. “I’ve known and coached with Hardy for many years, and know what an outstanding person he is. We are all disappointed in the performance of our defense this season, and we all bear responsibility for that. I wish Hardy nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career.”
Nickerson joined the Illini in March 2016 when Smith was hired at the 27th head coach in school history.