CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Fighting Illini have hired Tyrone Wheatley as its running backs coach, head coach Bret Bielema announced Monday.
Wheatley has 18 years of coaching experience, including collegiate stops at Michigan and Syracuse, as well as NFL running back coaching jobs with the Bills, Jaguars and Broncos.
He worked with several running backs in the pros, like Melvin Gordon, C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Latavius Murray and Leonard Fournette.
During his time at Michigan from 2015-16, the Wolverines led the Big Ten with 41 rushing touchdowns in 2016, according to Illinois Athletics.
"Coach Bielema has built a culture defined by toughness, discipline and accountability. To coach under a leader with his experience, vision and championship pedigree is an absolute honor. To the Illini community, alumni, players and fans, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to getting to work," said Wheatley in a statement.
The Giants selected Wheatley as the 17th overall pick in the 1995 NFL draft, and he spent 10 years in the league, including his last six with the Raiders.
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