Illinois is adding a seasoned presence to its defensive coaching staff, bringing in former NFL defensive back Ronnie Bradford to coach the secondary, with a focus on safeties. The move reshapes the Illini defensive backfield coaching responsibilities, with current assistant Corey Parker shifting to work primarily with cornerbacks.
Bradford arrives in Champaign with a deep résumé that spans both the college and pro levels. Most recently, he spent two seasons as a senior special teams assistant with the Miami Dolphins, but his ties to new Illinois defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck run deeper.
From 2021 to 2023, Bradford worked under Hauck at Montana, where he held multiple roles-starting as assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach, and eventually taking over as defensive coordinator and safeties coach in 2023. That 2023 unit, under Bradford’s direction, became one of the most respected defenses in Montana program history.
Now, he reunites with Hauck in the Big Ten, bringing not only familiarity with the system but also a wealth of experience that spans decades. Bradford played ten seasons in the NFL, and his coaching career began in the league as well, with six years on the Denver Broncos’ staff in special teams and defensive backs roles, followed by a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009.
His football roots trace back to the University of Colorado, where he was a standout defensive back from 1989 to 1992. Bradford started two seasons for the Buffaloes, earning All-Big 8 First Team honors as a senior. He was also part of Colorado’s 1990 national championship team, famously blocking a late extra point in the Orange Bowl to preserve a 10-9 win over Notre Dame-a play that still echoes in college football lore.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema expressed high praise for the hire, noting Bradford’s versatility and pedigree. “We are excited to welcome Coach Bradford to the Illini FamILLy,” Bielema said.
“His extensive experience, both in college football and the NFL, will make an immediate impact in our building. Coach Bradford was a standout NFL defensive back and has translated that success to coaching, including coordinating one of the top-ranked defenses in Montana history in 2023.”
For Bradford, the opportunity to return to the college game-and do so alongside Hauck-was a natural fit. “Thank you to Coach Bielema for the opportunity to coach an elite group of student-athletes at this prestigious university at a top conference in college football,” Bradford said.
“I am excited to coach with Bobby Hauck and build on the success that has been established here at Illinois. I can't wait to experience the Illini faithful and our enthusiastic fan base!”
With Bradford overseeing the safeties and Parker focusing on cornerbacks, Illinois is doubling down on experience and cohesion in the secondary. And with the Big Ten as competitive as ever, that kind of alignment on the back end could be the difference between good and great.