Zook hires ex-Barnett staffer as defensive coordinator

From: Chicago Sun-Times | Date: March 2, 2006 | Copyright information

Illinois turned to a former Gary Barnett assistant to fill its vacancy at defensive coordinator.

Vince Okruch, who worked under Barnett for 12 years at Northwestern and Colorado, was hired by Illini coach Ron Zook on Wednesday as both defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He replaces Mike Mallory, who was fired in January.

"It took me only five minutes of meeting with coach Zook to realize that this is the place I want to be," Okruch said. "The energy surrounding the I...

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