July 12, 2007

University of Illinois assistant coaches Dan Disch and Curt Mallory have been promoted to interim co-defensive coordinators for the Illini football team as announced by head coach Ron Zook Thursday. Current coordinator Vince Okruch stepped down this week to take a temporary leave of absence from the team.

"Vince has decided to take a leave of absence from the staff, which is something he feels is best for him personally," Zook said. "We appreciate the leadership and guidance that Vince provided the team last season."

Linebackers Coach Dan Disch and Secondary Coach Curt Mallory are to serve as co-defensive coordinators during Vince Okruch's absence.

"In the interim, I have asked Dan and Curt to move into these roles," Zook continued. "Both Dan and Curt have been with this program since our day one. They have been primed for these positions and I trust them whole-heartedly. We are fortunate to be heading into season three with three coaches who have helped us grow this defense since we got here in Dan, Curt and Tom Sims."

Disch has 20 years experience coaching, 16 of which were as a head coach at the high school level calling defenses. He will continue coaching the linebackers, a position that saw vast improvement in 2006. Mallory, meanwhile, heads into his 13th season as a defensive secondary coach. Zook, who has more than 30 years experience coaching defenses, and the defensive staff helped the Illini improve their total numbers by more than 100 yards per game from the previous year. The rushing defense allowed fewer than 130 yards per game and improved quarterback sack and tackle for loss numbers by nearly double. The passing defense ranked third in the Big Ten and both rushing and overall defense finished fifth in the league.

The Illini open the 2007 season on Sept. 1 in St. Louis at the State Farm Arch Rivalry game vs. Missouri. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. CT, and tickets are on sale through the Illinois Athletic Ticket Office.