Illinois Adds Montana Assistants Robby Hauck, Mike Linehan to Defense

Illinois announced early March that Robby Hauck has been hired as assistant defensive backs coach and Mike Linehan as defensive ends coach, moves head coach Bret Bielema described as part of the defensive staff being assembled around new defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck. Both coaches arrive with recent Montana Grizzlies ties and bring positional experience that directly maps to Illinois’ front seven and secondary work.

Robby Hauck played at Montana from 2018-22 and finished his collegiate career as one of FCS’s most decorated defensive backs. Illinois’ official release credits him with 482 career tackles, saying that total set Big Sky and Montana program records and ranks sixth all-time in FCS history; at least one media report listed 470 tackles, a discrepancy the program figure resolves in favor of 482. Hauck was a three-time All-America selection, earned First Team All-America honors from Stats Perform in 2022, was a finalist for FCS National Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, and is a three-time Academic All-American who earned three degrees including an MBA. After his playing career he spent three seasons at Portland State progressing from nickelbacks and special teams assistant in 2023 to special teams coordinator and tight ends coach in 2024, then special teams coordinator and safeties coach in 2025; he also had a six-month stint as recruiting coordinator at San Diego State. “It is truly an honor and privilege to work for Coach Bret Bielema and be part of the Illinois Fighting Illini program. There is a strong standard of hard work, toughness, and commitment to the team here,” Hauck said.

Mike Linehan joins Illinois after three seasons as Montana’s defensive line coach, a stretch that included 35 wins, three FCS playoff appearances, two 13-win seasons, and Montana’s berth in the 2023 FCS National Championship Game. Under Linehan’s line coaching the 2023 Grizzlies defense ranked among the nation’s best: fifth in scoring defense at 17.2 points allowed, 10th in turnovers forced with 24, fourth in interceptions with 17, 15th in rushing defense at 108.5 yards per game, 18th in total defense at 314.7 yards per game, and fifth in passing efficiency defense at 111.39. Linehan also coached All-American defensive tackle Alex Gubner, the Big Sky Defensive MVP, and helped develop players who moved on to NFL and CFL contracts. “I am honored and grateful to join a great program and be a part of the Illinois Family,” Linehan said.

Bielema framed the hires as complementary pieces to the staff led by defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, whom Illinois hired last month. “Coach Hauck brings valuable experience coordinating a special teams unit over the last two seasons and a deep knowledge of our defense,” Bielema said of Robby Hauck. The additions follow earlier signings with Montana connections, including Roger Cooper at inside linebackers and Ronnie Bradford at safeties, reinforcing a clear pattern of bringing staff familiar with Bobby Hauck’s system.

These moves tighten the positional coaching roster ahead of spring practice and recruiting cycles, pairing Linehan’s proven defensive-line production with Hauck’s secondary and special teams background as Illinois prepares for on-field integration and player development this offseason.