Illinois picks offensive coordinator

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FORT WORTH, Texas — Illinois will name TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz to the same position early next week, a source close to the Illinois program told The News-Gazette. Schultz will coach the Illini quarterbacks.

Schultz replaces Mike Locksley, who left Illinois to become head coach at New Mexico.

Schultz just completed his 11th season at TCU, helping the Horned Frogs to an 11-2 finish and a Poinsettia Bowl win against previously undefeated Boise State. TCU’s only two losses this season were against Oklahoma and Utah.

TCU finished 25th nationally in total offense during the 2008 season, averaging 421 yards. The Horned Frogs were 12th in rushing offense (220.2 yards) and 21st in scoring offense (33.6).

Before taking over the quarterback coach duties in 2007, Schultz worked with the TCU running backs. He helped develop current San Diego Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson, who set a TCU record with 2,158 yards in 2000.

Schultz is a Houston native and played at Sam Houston State. He coached at his alma mater and also worked at UTEP, Kansas State, Texas and New Mexico. Like Locksley, Schultz has spent time as a defensive coach, working with the secondary at New Mexico.

Schultz, who turns 51 Saturday, and his wife Cindy have three daughters, Taylor, Kendall and Jordan.