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It appears that Lovie Smith has finalized his coaching staff. According to multiple reports, the Fighting Illini have hired Northern Illinois assistant Thad Ward as the new running backs coach. Ward spend the past three seasons as the Huskies' wide receivers coach.
REPORT: #illini to hire NIU assistant Thad Ward to fill final coaching staff position https://t.co/yhTLOBqbQr
— Jeremy Werner (@JWernerScout) March 17, 2016
Though nothing is official, Ward certainly seems to have confirmed the move via his Twitter account.
GREAT STATE OF ILLINOIS, GET READY! HERE WE COME! #WeWillWin pic.twitter.com/TUjnICrgaB
— Thaddaeus Ward (@wardth09) March 17, 2016
Ward played collegiately as a defensive back at Central Florida (1999-2001). His coaching career began in 2002, and he's held positions at Western Illinois (2005-10) and Western Michigan (2012) in addition to Northern Illinois.
Illinois' coaching staff is complete with this latest addition, but Lovie Smith will still be looking to hire a new strength coach and support staff members in the coming weeks.
Illinois Football Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Lovie Smith (Link)
Offensive Coordinator: Garrick McGee (Link)
Defensive Coordinator: Hardy Nickerson (Link)
Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach: Bob Ligashesky (Link)
Offensive Line Coach: Luke Butkus (Link)
Running Backs Coach: Thad Ward
Wide Receivers Coach: Andrew Hayes-Stoker (Link)
Defensive Line Coach: Mike Phair (Returning)
Linebackers Coach: Tim McGarigle (Returning)
Secondary Coach: Paul Williams (Returning)