Hardy Nickerson, former NFL Linebacker, has resigned his post. He was hired by Lovie Smith as part of his first staff at Illinois. The release from the Division of Intercollegiate athletics:

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith announced today that defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson has resigned from the staff for personal reasons.

“Hardy informed me yesterday that he felt it was in the program’s best interest to leave our staff,” Smith said. “I’ve known and coached with Hardy for many years, and know what an outstanding person he is. We are all disappointed in the performance of our defense this season, and we all bear responsibility for that. I wish Hardy nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career.”

Nickerson spent two-plus seasons coaching linebackers and serving as defensive coordinator for Illinois after coming on board in the spring of 2016.

“When I was contacted about being offered this job back in 2016, I was excited for the opportunity to come in to coordinate and run Illinois’ defense,” Nickerson said. “I had every intention of helping put our defensive student-athletes in the best possible position to win, and, ultimately, to make the University of Illinois community and fans proud of our results. Due to health-related circumstances beyond my control I must step aside at this time.

“I would like to thank Lovie Smith and Josh Whitman for giving me the opportunity to coach at the University of Illinois. I’d also like to thank my colleagues and staff, as well as the entire Illinois Football Program, for the privilege of working with them. Most importantly, I want to thank our student-athletes for all of their hard work and great effort. Working with you every day has been fun. I wish you all nothing but the best in all that you do going forward.”