Illinois has fired offensive coordinator Garrick McGee and defensive backs coach Paul Williams, the program announced Tuesday. The news was first reported on Saturday by FootballScoop. (Full disclosure: I also work for FootballScoop.)
#Illini athletic department officially confirm news that OC Garrick McGee and asst coach Paul Williams won't return next season.
— Shannon Ryan (@SRyanAthletic) December 26, 2017
McGee, the former UAB head coach, spent two seasons on staff at Illinois after spending two seasons in a similar role at Louisville. The Fighting Illini ranked 96th nationally in yards per play in 2016 and 124th this fall. Illinois was also 124th and 126th in passing efficiency in McGee’s two seasons; McGee also coached the Illini’s quarterbacks.
Williams was also an original member of Lovie Smith‘s staff at Illinois after coaching defensive backs at Delaware, Western Michigan, Temple and Miami. The Illini were 72nd and 79th in pass efficiency defense under Williams.
Illinois is 5-19 in two seasons under Smith and has not booked a winning record since 2010.