CHAMPAIGN – Illinois coach Lovie Smith announced Monday morning that defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson had resigned from the staff for personal reasons.
“Hardy informed me yesterday that he felt it was in the program’s best interest to leave our staff,” 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.”