News Flash: Illinois staff changes?

With Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther announcing last week that Ron Zook will be back as head coach in 2010, staff changes are expected.

It is likely the Illini will seek new offensive and defensive coordinators. Illinois, seeking to run a pure spread attack, could target Houston offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and veteran Noel Mazzone.

Holgorsen is a disciple of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. The Cougars’ offense ranks No. 1 in the nation, piling up 536.6 yards per game and 40.4 points per game (third nationally). Houston is 6-1 and ranked No. 15 with victories over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State.

Mazzone has coordinated offenses at Ole Miss, Auburn, Oregon State and N.C. State. He most recently was receivers coach of the New York Jets but is now working as a personnel consultant for the Jets while helping coach Panther Creek High in Cary, N.C. Mazzone was considered for the coordinator spots at Miami and Pitt after last season.