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Monday, November 25, 2024

Corey Parker joins Illinois as new defensive backs coach

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Victoria Adams Director of Recruiting Strategy | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website

Victoria Adams Director of Recruiting Strategy | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website

Corey Parker has been appointed as the defensive backs coach for the Illinois football team, as announced by head coach Bret Bielema. The appointment is pending approval from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees in July.

"I am excited to welcome Coach Parker and his family to Champaign," stated Bielema. "Corey is a proven coach on many levels, both on and off the field. His experiences will bring tremendous value to our program and defensive backs."

Parker expressed his enthusiasm about joining the team, saying, "I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Illinois football program under Coach Bielema's leadership. During my interview, I had a great feeling about the coaches and the future of the program. There is great continuity within the staff and a great vision for success."

Before joining Illinois, Parker served as cornerbacks coach at Toledo for two seasons. He was previously a high school head coach in Michigan for 13 years, transforming River Rouge High School into a state contender with a record of 113-34 and winning a state title in 2019.

At Toledo, Parker contributed to the team's success with two MAC Championship Game appearances and bowl game participations, including winning the 2022 RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl. Under his guidance, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell became a two-time All-American and was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Parker's tenure at Toledo saw significant improvements in passing efficiency defense rankings, achieving top ten national standings during both seasons he coached there. The discipline he instilled resulted in minimal penalties against his players over hundreds of passing attempts.

In addition to coaching responsibilities at River Rouge High School, Parker also held roles as dean of students and athletic director. His leadership led more than 100 players from River Rouge to college football opportunities.

Parker began his coaching career at University of Detroit Jesuit High School before moving through various positions until becoming head coach at River Rouge in 2009.

Parker holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Eastern Michigan University where he played as a defensive back. He is married to Autumn Parker with whom he has three children: Corey Jr., Avery, and Ashlynn.

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