LSU’s Gonzales hired as Illinois offensive coordinator

LSU receivers coach/passing game coordinator Billy Gonzales has been hired as the offensive coordinator at Illinois, according to media reports. A news release issued this afternoon by Tigers coach Les Miles says only that Gonzales is going to a Big Ten school. An official announcement from Illinois could come as early as Thursday. Gonzales served as LSU’s receivers coach/passing game coordinator for the past two seasons. The Tigers ranked 106th nationally in pass offense this season. Gonzales coached five seasons at Florida before coming to LSU. New Illinois coach Tim Beckman had pursued his former Toledo assistant Matt Campbell for the offensive coordinator position, but the Rockets promoted Campbell to head coach after Beckman’s departure. “This is a great promotion for Billy,” Miles says. “Billy will do a great job as an offensive coordinator. This is a tremendous opportunity for him and his family.” Miles says that he will take his time in finding a replacement. “I’m not going to be in a hurry,” he says. “We are going to hire a great coach with an outstanding background.”