New Mexico Hires Illinois' Mike Locksley As Head Coach

CHAMPAIGN, IL—After spending four seasons as the offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois, Mike Locksley finally has his dream job as the head coach at the University of New Mexico. On Monday, the Lobos’ athletic department officially announced Locksley as the school’s 29th football coach. Locksley, who will turn 39 on Christmas Day, has been the offensive coordinator at Illinois since 2005. In addition, he has also been the quarterbacks coach since 2006 and coached tight ends in 2005. He replaces Rocky Long, who resigned Nov. 17 after 11 seasons. Locksley came to the Fighting Illini with Ron Zook from Florida. He was the Gators’ running backs and recruiting coordinator from 2003-04. He began his coaching career in 1992 as Towson University’s defensive backs and special teams coach. He also coached at the U.S. Naval Prep School and the University of Maryland from 1996-97. Under Locksley, in 2008 the Fighting Illini ranked third in the Big Ten with 344 ... (link)