Chambana Sun

NFL veteran Byron Bell and former Fighting Illini quarterback Artur Sitkowski have been appointed as graduate assistants on offense for the 2024 season at Illinois. Head coach Bret Bielema made the announcement, highlighting Bell's transition from New Mexico to Illinois, while Sitkowski continues his role after serving as a student assistant last year.

Byron Bell embarks on his first season as an offensive graduate assistant in 2024. Previously, he was a graduate assistant at New Mexico for two seasons. Head coach Bret Bielema expressed his admiration for Bell, stating, "I was immediately impressed with Byron and everything he stands for since first meeting him." Offensive line coach Bart Miller also praised Bell's experience and knowledge, noting that it would benefit the entire program.

Bell shared his enthusiasm about joining the team in Champaign: "I am excited about the opportunity to join Coach Bielema and Coach Miller here in Champaign." During his time at New Mexico, Bell contributed to practice planning, film breakdown, and coaching on the field. His NFL career spanned eight years with teams like Carolina, Tennessee, Dallas, and Green Bay.

Artur Sitkowski enters his second season with the Fighting Illini staff and takes on the role of offensive graduate assistant in 2024. Previously a student assistant in 2023 after five seasons of college football play, Sitkowski is highly regarded by head coach Bret Bielema: "Art is everything we want our program to represent."

Sitkowski expressed gratitude towards Illinois: "The University of Illinois has changed my life... I am forever grateful for this opportunity." His playing career highlights include leading Illinois to a victory over Penn State in 2021 and contributing to a win against Iowa in 2022.

Sitkowski hails from Old Bridge, New Jersey, where he played high-school football before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year.