CFB - Illini Filling Out Football Staff
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.
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.
>> Illini Won't Play Spring Game
Illinois football coach Lovie Smith will lead his team onto the practice team for the first time on April 1.
Because of the delayed start to spring football, an open practice will be the substitute for the traditional Orange and Blue game.
A news release from the school on Wednesday said admission and parking for the open practice on April 16 will be free.
Illinois will hold 15 practices between April 1 and 26.
Illinois postponed spring football when coach Bill Cubit was fired on March 5.
Smith took over two days later.
