Chambana Sun

Archie McDaniel has been appointed as the linebackers coach for Illinois, according to head coach Bret Bielema. The appointment is subject to approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees in their March meeting.

McDaniel brings a wealth of experience with 17 years in collegiate coaching and two years as a co-coordinator. He previously played as a linebacker and team captain at Texas A&M.

"I am excited to have Coach McDaniel join our Illini famILLy," Bielema stated. "Coach McDaniel will be a huge asset to our linebackers room and our recruiting efforts in Illinois and nationally. His accomplishments and experiences as a player, coach, and person will bring an immediate impact to our building."

McDaniel expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: "Words can't describe how excited I am to be joining Coach Bielema and the Illinois football famILLy. Having the opportunity to be a part of this great program and university makes me feel extremely blessed. I can't wait to get to work with this great staff and our amazing student-athletes."

Previously, McDaniel served three seasons as the linebackers coach at Houston from 2021-23, where he contributed to two bowl victories and assisted in transitioning the team into Power-5 status within the Big XII in 2023.

During his tenure at Houston, senior linebacker Donavan Mutin led with 85 tackles during the 2022 season. Linebackers Mannie Nunnery and Jamal Morris also delivered strong performances under McDaniel's guidance.

Before Houston, McDaniel coached at Texas State, New Mexico, SMU, Tulsa, Texas Southern, Texas A&M, and Trinity Valley Community College (Texas). As a player at Texas A&M, he recorded significant stats including 213 tackles over three years.

McDaniel also holds the position of president at the Minority Coaches Advancement Association since its inception in 2020.

He has two children: a daughter named Aubree and a son named Christian.