Illini hire longtime NFL coach for special teams, tight ends

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois football coach Lovie Smith has hired former Houston Texas assistant Bob Ligashesky as the new Illini special teams and tight ends

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) Illinois football coach Lovie Smith has hired former Houston Texas assistant Bob Ligashesky as the new Illini special teams and tight ends coach.

Smith said in a news release Wednesday that Ligashesky has 31 years of both pro and college experience and a strong reputation as a recruiter.

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Ligashesky spent two seasons with the Texans before he was let go in January. Previously, he was an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also was an assistant coach at Bowling Green from 1991-98.

Only the running backs coaching position is left to be filled on Smith's staff.