Gilmore the only coach to remain on football staff

"I am very happy to have Keith Gilmore agree to remain on our staff as defensive line coach. If you studied the Illinoisteam this year, the defensive line was the strongest area of the team and Coach Gilmore did a great job. Whitney Mercilus' improvement this season under Keith was obvious, as he has been named an All-American by just about everyone. He also played a big part in Corey Liuget's development into a first-round draft pick last year. He is a strong recruiter and will be a great asset for the program."

Gilmore has been instrumental in Illinois' recent success on the defensive line, producing a 2011 first-round NFL Draft pick in defensive tackle Corey Liuget and a 2011 consensus All-American in defensive end Whitney Mercilus. Liuget led Illinois with 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks among his 63 tackles last season, while Mercilus leads the nation with 14.5 sacks, 1.21 sacks per game and nine forced fumbles this year.