CHAMPAIGN — A California native with an NFL coaching background is joining the Illinois football coaching staff.
Jordan Thomas is the new Illini defensive line coach and and run game coordinator, Illinois coach Bret Bielema announced on Tuesday morning.
Thomas spent last season as the defensive line coach at Boston College after working as an assistant defensive line coach with the Cleveland Browns from 2022-24.
Thomas replaces Terrance Jamison, who left earlier this month to become the defensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills.
"Coach Thomas is a great fit for our Illini family with an immediate understanding of our defensive system," Bielema said in a statement. "He is a talented leader with experiences in our defense as both a player and coach, plus three years of developing defensive linemen in the NFL. We are excited to welcome Coach Thomas to our staff."
Thomas is the sixth new assistant coaching hire the Illini have made this offseason. He joins defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, secondary coach Ronnie Bradford, inside linebackers coach Roger Cooper, tight ends coach Jared Elliott and running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley.
Thomas played college football at San Diego State and then later coached with the Aztecs. The native of Redlands, Calif., Thomas played at San Diego State from 2010-13, starting for three seasons. He then coached with the Aztecs from 2018-21, spending two seasons as a graduate assistant before two seasons as their defensive line coach.
"I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to work with Coach Bielema and this awesome staff," Thomas said in a statement. "It is an honor to represent the Illini and work in a proud program with a decorated football history. I am eager to get to work as a part of the Illinois family."