Chambana Sun

New Illinois outside linebackers coach Clint Sintim has transitioned from a successful playing career to coaching, joining the University of Illinois' football staff. Sintim was an All-American linebacker at Virginia and played for the New York Giants, winning a Super Bowl before knee injuries ended his professional career.

Sintim expressed enthusiasm about his new role: "I believe this is the right fit for me, and I feel like I can add a lot of value here at Illinois." His coaching journey began in 2014 at Division-II West Alabama, where he coached special teams and outside linebackers. Despite initially pursuing real estate after retiring from the NFL in 2013, he found a passion for coaching.

"After my last year, the Super Bowl year, I was kind of debating on what I wanted to do. My first thought was not coaching," Sintim said. He quickly embraced coaching at West Alabama and progressed through positions at Richmond and Delaware before returning to Virginia as a defensive line coach in 2020.

Sintim faced challenges leaving his alma mater but felt confident after discussions with head coach Bret Bielema: "I did a lot of research in that short period of time, but I think it was just the trust in who Coach Bielema is as a coach and as a man."

Although his family remains in Virginia until June, Sintim has integrated into Illinois' football culture. "Our football program is a family," he noted. Building relationships with players is key for him: "Relationships take time. I told those guys I'm gonna be pretty genuine about who I am."

As he settles into his new role, Sintim aims to leverage his experience to guide players towards their goals: "Humbly stated, I've been to where they want to go... I'm committed to trying to build a relationship."