Defensive coordinator and interim head coach Vic Koenning has turned down an offer to stay at Illinois.

He will leave after coaching the Illini in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl against UCLA on New Year's Eve.

New coach Tim Beckman said Wednesday that Koenning declined an offer to remain coordinator. He praised Koenning's work during his two seasons at Illinois.

In a statement released by the school, Koenning said he will explore other opportunities.

Beckman was hired last week to replace Ron Zook, who was fired after the Illini finished the regular season 6-6. Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino left last week to return to Arkansas.

Beckman said defensive line coach Keith Gilmore will stay at Illinois.