Mike Linehan Named Illinois Defensive Ends Coach

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Mike Linehan has been named Illinois' defensive ends coach, head coach Bret Bielema announced. 

Linehan joins the Illini after three seasons as the defensive line coach at Montana. He helped Montana to 35 wins, two 13-win seasons, three trips to the FCS playoffs, and an appearance in the 2023 FCS National Championship Game during his three seasons with the Grizzlies.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Linehan to our staff," said Bielema. "His extensive football background and strong understanding of our defensive scheme aligns perfectly with our program. He will work alongside Coach Thomas, who he has previous experience with, in coaching and developing our defensive ends and defensive line."

"I am honored and grateful to join a great program and be a part of the Illinois FamILLy," said Linehan. "Coach Bielema and the rest of the coaching staff have built a great tradition and culture. I can't wait for the opportunity to get to work with our amazing student-athletes."

Linehan helped Montana's 2023 defense rank as one of the best in program history. Montana finished in the top 20 in the nation in nearly every defensive stat category, including scoring defense (5th, 17.2), turnovers forced (10th, 24), interceptions (4th, 17), rushing defense (15th, 108.5), total defense (18th, 314.7), and passing efficiency defense (5th, 111.39) on their way to the national championship game. 

In 2023, Linehan coached All-American Alex Gubner, who became one of only seven interior defensive linemen in history to win the Big Sky Defensive MVP award. He totaled 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks during his banner senior season, then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In 2024, Linehan mentored defensive end Hayden Harris, who was second in the Big Sky in fumble recoveries and third in sacks and tackles for loss as a senior. Harris went on to sign with the Buffalo Bills and be drafted by the BC Lions in the CFL.

Linehan got his start in collegiate coaching at San Diego State, where he served as a defensive line graduate assistant for three seasons from 2020-22. He helped SDSU finish in the top three teams in the Mountain West against the rush and in total defense in each season.

In his first two seasons at San Diego State, the Aztecs led the league in rush defense, allowing an average of just over 98 yards per game on the ground in 2020 and just over 80 yards per game in 2021. In 2022, the Aztecs were second in the conference in rush defense at an average of 113 yards per game.

Linehan played five seasons as a linebacker in college football, first at Idaho (2015-17) then at North Texas (2018-19). He totaled 20 tackles in 22 games at North Texas and helped the Mean Green advance to the New Mexico Bowl. Linehan played in 21 games at Idaho, including helping the Vandals defeat Colorado State 60-51 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to cap a 9-4 season, their best as an FBS member.

Linehan is the son of long-time NFL coach Scott Linehan, who was head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2006-08. His brother, Matt Linehan, played football at Idaho and has coached at San Diego State, Missouri, and Idaho.

Linehan graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in integrative studies in 2020. He earned a master's degree from San Diego State University in liberal arts and sciences.