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Tony Petersen out as Illinois’ offensive coordinator

After just one season, Illinois Football Head Coach Bret Bielema is making some changes.

Offensive coordinator Tony Petersen was fired Tuesday night, in a move first reported by Illini Inquirer’s Jeremy Werner and later confirmed by the program.

“After my evaluation of our 2021 season, I have decided to make a transition from offensive coordinator Tony Petersen,” Bielema said in a statement Friday night. “I would like to thank Tony for his work and commitment to our football program over the past year.”

Petersen was hand-picked by Bielema last year ahead of his first season at the helm with the Illini, and while Illinois as a team exceeded expectations — five wins, including two on the road over ranked opponents — the offense often left something to be desired.