Bridge hired as Illini O-Line coach
By: Aaron Bennett
Updated: January 23, 2013
CHAMPAIGN,
Ill. (UI Release) - University of Illinois head coach Tim Beckman announced the
hiring of Jim Bridge
as offensive line coach on Wednesday. Bridge comes to Illinois after
spending the last six years at North Carolina State, where he served as
both offensive line coach (2011-12) and tight ends coach (2007-10).
"I'm
very excited to work with an outstanding coach and man in Tim Beckman,"
Bridge said. "Illinois
is a great fit for me, personally, and Coach Beckman has assembled an
outstanding staff. As a coach, you always look forward to competing in a
premier conference like the Big Ten and at one of the nation's great
academic institutions such as the University
Illinois. I can't wait to get started with the members of our team and
especially our offensive linemen."
Bridge took over the reigns of the offensive line at N.C. State following the 2010 season after leading
the Wolfpack tight ends for the previous four seasons. The 2012 Wolfpack offense averaged more than 420 yards per game and ranked 18th
nationally in passing
yards per game (310.1 ypg). At N.C. State, he coached four All-ACC
players from 2009-12, including guard R.J. Mattes (2012), center Camden
Wentz (2012)
and tight end George Bryan (2009, '10). Bryan was
the Pack's second-leading receiver with 40 catches and six scores in
2009, while leading all league tight ends in receptions. Bridge's 2008
tight ends combined for 40 catches, 456 yards and eight of the
Wolfpack's 20 passing touchdowns. In 2008, Bridge was
named one of the top recruiters in the nation by Rivals.com.
Prior
to his six-year stint at N.C. State, Bridge helped coach the Boston
College offense that led
the ACC in total offense in 2005 and ranked second in the league in
2006. The 2006 Eagles, with Bridge as the tight ends coach, also led the
league in first downs and passing offense.
Bridge
has previously served as offensive line coach at Eastern Michigan
(2002) and The Citadel (1996-99),
and spent one year at Bowling Green as the tight ends coach (2000) while
Beckman was there as the defensive coordinator. In his 21 years of
collegiate coaching experience, Bridge has coached in 12 bowl games and
has tutored four players that went on to play
professionally.
"I
was extremely pleased to find a coach of Jim's caliber to join our
staff during this search for
an offensive line coach," Beckman said. "I worked with Jim at Bowling
Green and have followed his career as he progressed through Ohio State,
Eastern Michigan, Boston College and North Carolina State. He has
coached at several very productive and successful
programs. Jim will be a great fit at Illinois as an on-field coach and
as one of the nation's top recruiters."
Bridge
played tight end for Wittenberg University from
1988-92, and earned his B.A. from Wittenberg in 1992. He received his
master's degree in sports administration from Bowling Green State in
1994.
Bridge is married to the former Andrea Bitterman of
Buffalo, N.Y. The couple has four children: Anna Claire, Ryan, Maggie and Jack.
