Chambana Sun

Joe Kim, a seasoned consultant and coach with over three decades of NFL experience, has joined the Illinois football team as the Skill Development Coordinator. The announcement was made by head coach Bret Bielema, who praised Kim's expertise in pass-rush techniques.

"I am very excited to have Joe Kim join our staff here at Illinois," said Bielema. "With Joe, we are bringing in a source of information and a skill set that is unique to all of college football. When speaking with some of the most elite NFL players that have worked with Joe, it is immediately clear the impact and daily influence his teachings have on their foundation of skills, leading them to become the best versions of themselves. Joe transcends high-level players of all positions by relying on the basic skills and fundamentals of great football plays. He will make an immediate impact on everyone in our building on and off the field."

Kim expressed his enthusiasm for joining the University of Illinois football program: "I am extremely excited to be a part of the University of Illinois football program," he said. "Coach Bielema's vision and execution for the Fighting Illini has been highly successful. Winning a Super Bowl Championship with Coach Bielema in New England made me a believer in his leadership ability and incredible knowledge of the game of football. I am looking forward to helping this team with the big picture: to win football games. Thank you to Coach B for believing in me and bringing me aboard."

Nick Saban once referred to Kim as "the pass-rush guru." His innovative approach incorporates martial arts-driven techniques into football training. A seventh-degree black belt in taekwondo, Kim has collaborated with 11 NFL teams, including working with Super Bowl LIII champions New England Patriots, as well as several Pro Bowl defenders such as Matt Judon, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Anthony Pleasant, and Michael Dean Perry.

Before joining Illinois, Kim served as Director of Skill Development for the New England Patriots from 2019-2024 after being their pass rush consultant in 2018. His coaching career includes stints with various NFL teams like Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins alongside starting his career under Bill Belichick at Cleveland Browns.

Kim is also known for his contributions as one of America's top taekwondo instructors producing over 250 black belts along with national and international champions through Football Combatives—a website sharing his techniques across different levels.

Kim resides with his wife Jeana and daughters Katie and Lexi.