Peter Weiden Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Peter Weiden Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Dan Ellington has been appointed as the assistant wide receivers coach for the Illinois football program, according to an announcement made by head coach Bret Bielema. Prior to this role, Ellington served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Itawamba Community College in Mississippi. His experience also includes four seasons on the offensive staff at Georgia State University, his alma mater.
"It is great to bring in another bright young coach who has experience coaching multiple positions and has been a coordinator at the junior college level," stated Bielema. "Coach Ellington comes highly recommended from around the coaching world. We're excited to get him to Champaign."
Ellington expressed enthusiasm about his new position, saying, "I'm extremely excited to join Coach Bielema's staff and the Illinois football program. I'm so thankful for the opportunity Coach Bielema has given me. I have been a fan of his for a while, and I have seen nothing but greatness from him. Big things are happening here in Champaign, and I am honored to be a part of this program. My fiancée Angela and I are very thrilled to be here!"
During his tenure at Itawamba, Ellington led the team to a 6-3 record in 2024, marking their best season since 2017 when he was recognized as MACCC Player of the Year and earned junior college All-American honors. At Georgia State, he contributed significantly during both his playing years (2018-19) and coaching stint (2020-23). The team achieved notable successes including victories in several bowl games: 2020 LendingTree Bowl, 2021 Camellia Bowl, and 2023 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Ellington's coaching career began with running backs at Georgia State from 2020-21 before transitioning to tight ends from 2022-23. Under his guidance, three running backs achieved over 750 yards each in two seasons. In particular, Tucker Gregg and Jamyest Williams amassed more than 1,800 rushing yards combined in 2021.
As a player at Georgia State, Ellington set multiple records including holding the highest career completion percentage (62%) and ranking second all-time with 34 touchdown passes. He also ranks third in major passing categories with over 4,500 career passing yards.
A native of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Ellington graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in education in 2020.
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