Chambana Sun

Matt Ellerbrock has been appointed as the assistant linebackers coach for the Illinois football program, according to an announcement made by head coach Bret Bielema. Ellerbrock brings ten years of college coaching experience to the Fighting Illini.

"We are excited to add Matt to our coaching staff," stated Bielema. "Matt comes highly recommended from around the coaching profession. His experiences over 10 years in college football, including working alongside Archie McDaniel for two years, will benefit both our coaches and student-athletes."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Ellerbrock said, "I am beyond excited to join the Illini family. My family and I are excited to get to Champaign and meet the special people of this community. I look forward to working every day with an incredible group of coaches. I am fired up to work with a very talented linebacker room and continue to help them grow both as players and as men. Huge thanks to Coach Bielema for this amazing opportunity."

Throughout his career, Ellerbrock has participated in five bowl games, notably contributing to Houston's victory in the 2022 Independence Bowl against Louisiana. He served at Houston across four seasons during two separate periods, working as a defensive analyst under current Illinois linebackers coach Archie McDaniel from 2022-23.

In 2022, Houston's team reached No. 24 in the AP poll before transitioning into Big XII power-conference football in 2023 with Ellerbrock's assistance. In 2024, he joined IMG Academy as a linebackers coach.

Ellerbrock's earlier tenure at Houston from 2019-20 involved being a defensive graduate assistant focusing on linebackers and safeties. In 2021, he was McNeese State's linebackers coach where he guided Kordell Williams to earn All-Southland Conference First Team honors with significant tackles.

Before joining Houston initially, Ellerbrock worked at Arkansas State from 2016-18 as a defensive graduate assistant handling linebackers and safeties. The team excelled defensively in passing during this period, achieving high national rankings.

Ellerbrock began his coaching career at Midwestern State University as a graduate assistant after playing there for four years where he was recognized for his contributions on defense.

He holds a bachelor's degree in sport and fitness management from Midwestern State University obtained in 2012 and completed his master's degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in secondary education by May 2016.

Ellerbrock is married to Samantha and they have one daughter named Ariella.