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Hecklinski, Ricker join UI staff
Thu, 12/17/2015 - 9:34am | Bob Asmussen
CHAMPAIGN — Former Illini quarterback Jeff Hecklinski and former Illini offensive line coach A.J. Ricker are joining Bill Cubit's staff, a source close to the program told The News-Gazette today.
Hecklinski, who played at the UI before finishing his career at Western Illinois, will coach tight ends. He spent the 2015 season at Colorado State-Pueblo as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Before that, he was on Brady Hoke's staffs at Michigan, Ball State and San Diego State.
Ricker, who will coach offensive line for Cubit, spent the last two seasons at Missouri. He served as the UI's offensive line coach in 2013 under head coach Tim Beckman.
Ricker left to return to his alma mater, where he joined Gary Pinkel's staff. Pinkel recently retired and has been replaced by Barry Odom, who decided not to retain Ricker.
During his time at Ilinois, Ricker was popular with the players. The transition back to Ricker figures to be an easy one.
Also, a source told The News-Gazette that reports of co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks' firing are false.
