Illinois DC Aaron Henry leaving to take job at Notre Dame

CHANPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) -- Illinois Defensive Coordinator Aaron Henry is leaving the program to take a job at Notre Dame.

Head Coach Bret Bielema made the announcement Wednesday night.

Henry will fill the role left behind by former Fighting Irish DC Mike Mickens, who accepted an NFL job with the Baltimore Ravens.

Henry has led the defense the last three seasons with the Illini, after being elevated from a supporting role that helped former defensive back Devon Witherspoon become a 5th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Since then, however, the defense has taken a step backward. Blemishes on the Illinois schedule from the 2025 season include their 42-25 loss to Washington, where the defense surrendered over 400-yards of total offense and struggled to stall opposing drives. In addition, the Illini later lost at Wisconsin after giving up multiple long touchdown plays against a Badger team that struggled to score through much of Big Ten play.

Henry's unit made a statement to end the campaign, holding Tennessee to a season-low of 273 yards of total offense.

The Illini DC was the youngest coordinator in the Big Ten when he took over in the 2023 Reliaquest Bowl.

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