The Locksley File 2006- University of Illinois (offensive coordinator, quarterbacks) 2005 University of Illinois (offensive coordinator, tight ends) 2003-04 University of Florida (running backs/recruiting coordinator) 1998-2002 University of Maryland (running backs/recruiting coordinator) 1997 University of Maryland (running backs) 1996 Army (receivers/tight ends) 1995 University of the Pacific (outside linebackers) 1994 U.S. Naval Prep School (defensive coordinator/defensive line) 1993 U.S. Naval Prep School (defensive coordinator/defensive backs) 1992 Towson University (defensive backs/special teams) Home Town: Washington, D.C. Birthdate: Dec. 25, 1969 Family: Wife, Kia; Sons, Mike, Jr. (19), Meiko (15), Kai (10); Daughter, Kori (8) Education: B.S. Business Administration and Marketing -- Towson, 1992 Playing Experience: Towson, 1988-91 Bowl Games: Rose Bowl, 2008; Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, 2004; Outback Bowl, 2004; Peach Bowl, 2002; Poulen/Weed Eater Independence Bowl, 1996 Honors & Awards: 2007, Recruiter of the Year Finalist (Rivals); 2007, Hot Young Assistant Coach (Lindy's); 2006, Top-20 National Recruiter (Sports Illustrated); 2006, Top-10 Big Ten Recruiter (Rivals); 2005, Top-25 National Recruiter (Rivals); 2003, Top-25 National Recruiter (Rivals) "Coach Locksley is the biggest reason why I am in the NFL today and words can't describe how appreciative I am that I had an opportunity to play for him. As a player, if you trust him, if you do what he says and buy into his program, you are going to be very successful." - Oakland Raider running back Lamont Jordan

THE LOCKSLEY FAMILY (front): Kai, Kori; (back) Meiko, Mike, Sr., Kia and Mike, Jr.

Mike Locksley begins his fourth year as Illinois' offensive coordinator, marking his 17th year of coaching. In addition to calling plays for the Illini offense, Locksley tutors the Illini quarterbacks.

The 2007 Illinois offense became the third in school history to surpass the 5,000-yard mark and first to top 3,000 yards rushing, leading the Big Ten in rushing for the second-straight year and finishing fifth nationally on the shoulders of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Rashard Mendenhall. Quarterback Juice Williams showed incredible improvement, becoming the first Illini QB?to rush for over 1,000 yards in his career and increasing his completion percentage by 17.4 percent.

Locksley also helps key Illini recruiting efforts, being named the No. 5 recruiter in the Big Ten and among the top-20 in the nation by Sports Illustrated. In 2005, he was named a Top-25 recruiter by Rivals.com. In 2006, Locksley led an offense that led the Big Ten and ranked 10th in the nation in rushing. He tutored all-around running back Pierre Thomas, a two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten pick, who wrapped up his Illini career as the sixth-best rusher all-time at Illinois.

Prior to his arrival at Illinois, Locksley worked for Ron Zook for two seasons at the University of Florida as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, following six years on the University of Maryland staff. While on the Gators staff, Locksley was praised for his recruiting abilities, which earned him the recognition of one of the Top-25 recruiters when the 2003 class was rated seventh in the nation by Rivals.com. In 2004, UF running back Ciatrick Fason led the SEC and was 19th in the NCAA in rushing yards, earning second-team All-SEC honors. Overall, the Florida offense ranked first in total yards and second in scoring. In 2003, three Gator rushers logged over 500 yards on the ground and each averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

As a Terp for six years, Locksley worked as the Maryland running backs coach as well as recruiting coordinator for five of those seasons. While at Maryland, three different running backs, Chris Downs, Bruce Perry and Lamont Jordan rushed for over 1,000 yards and were named first-team All-ACC. In 1999, the Terps led the ACC in rushing yards with 234.1 yards and ranked 12th in the nation behind the running of All-American Jordan. Jordan, who was the ACC's runner-up for 1997 Rookie of the Year, also finished as a Doak Walker semifinalist and first-team All-ACC performer. Perry was the 2001 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, a first for a Terp running back and first sophomore to win the award. Both Perry and Jordan earned All-America honors under Locksley.

Locksley began his coaching career on the defensive side of the ball, with stops at his alma mater Towson University as the defensive backs coach, U.S. Navy Prep School as the defensive coordiantor and as linebackers coach at Pacific.

A three-year starter at Towson, Locksley played safety and was named the team's defensive MVP in 1991 as a senior. He finished his career ranked 19th on the school's all-time tackles list. He graduated from Towson in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing.

Locksley is on the Board of Directors for Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, located in Champaign.

Locksley and his wife, Kia, have four children; three sons, Mike, Jr., Meiko and Kai, and a daughter, Kori.

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