A first season in Illinois that saw the Illini struggle mightily offensively has led Tim Beckman to shake up his coaching staff.
Confirming speculation that had been making the rounds in the afternoon, Beckman announced Saturday evening that co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chris Beatty was “not being retained.” Beatty came to Illinois after one season at Vanderbilt in 2011 and three years at West Virginia prior to that.
“Chris Beatty is an outstanding person and a good coach,” Beckman said. “His family will always be a part our Illini football family. I wish him the best as he moves forward with his career.”
As if there were any doubts behind the move, the release made sure to state that Illinois averaged 16.7 points and 296.7 yards in total offense in 2012, ranking 12th in the Big Ten in both categories. Fellow co-coordinator Billy Gonzalez remains on Beckman’s staff.
“A national search for an offensive coordinator will begin immediately,” the release stated.
(Photo credit: Illinois athletics)