Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward is leaving Lovie Smith's staff after three seasons to join Rod Carey at Temple, according to a source close to the Illinois program.
Smith is on the road recruiting and was not available for comment.
Ward helped Reggie Corbin top 1,000 yards this season. Corbin was the first Illini to hit 1,000 yards since Mikel Leshoure in 2010.
Ward, who created the Littyville hashtag on social media and was referred as 'mayor,' has also worked at Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Gardner-Webb and Western Illinois.
Illinois now has three openings on its 10-person staff, including a vacant defensive coordinator position.