Chambana Sun

Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has been nominated for the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. This recognition comes after Henry led the Fighting Illini to an upset victory over No. 22 Nebraska, shortly following the death of his sister.

"As excited as I was that we got the win in a complete team effort, part of me didn't want to have to face the reality of heading home during the season to lay my sister to rest," Henry posted on X, expressing gratitude towards both Illinois and Nebraska staffs.

Henry further added: "Thank you to everyone who reached out to myself or my family. Your thoughts and prayers were much appreciated."

Ashley Lee, Henry's older sister, passed away unexpectedly earlier this month at age 39. She left behind four children aged between 9 and 22. Despite this personal loss, Henry continued coaching Illinois through their victories against Central Michigan and Nebraska before attending her funeral in Florida.

Illini head coach Bret Bielema had recruited Henry from Immokalee, Fla., to Wisconsin when he was 16 years old. Their relationship strengthened over time as Henry became an All-Big Ten safety with Wisconsin in 2011.

Henry's coaching career began while teaching prep football in Kalamazoo, Mich., where Bielema invited him to assist with a camp in Arkansas. This opportunity led him to join the Razorbacks' staff as a graduate assistant. He later coached defensive backs at Rutgers, NC State, and Vanderbilt before joining Illinois under Bielema in 2021 and being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2023.

The Illini currently rank No. 15 nationally in scoring defense (12.5) with a record of 4-0 and victories over two ranked teams: No. 19 Kansas and No. 22 Nebraska. They are ranked No. 19 in the AP poll ahead of their upcoming game against No. 9 Penn State on Saturday.

###