Less than three weeks before the season, Illinois cornerbacks coach Donnie Abraham has resigned from the staff, the program announced Tuesday night.
A statement by the athletic department said Abraham left for “personal reasons,” and coach Lovie Smith indicated Abraham’s position won’t be filled for the upcoming season. Abraham coached safeties last season and moved to cornerbacks when Illinois hired Gill Byrd as passing game coordinator and safeties coach.
According to 247Sports.com, Smith coached the cornerbacks during practice Tuesday.
“Donnie informed me that he felt it was in his best interest to leave our staff,” Smith said in a statement. “I fully support his decision and wish him the best moving forward. Our current coaching staff will absorb his responsibilities.”
The Illini open the season Sept. 1 against Kent State.
Abraham joined the staff in February 2017 after two seasons as defensive coordinator at IMG Academy in Florida. He played nine seasons in the NFL as a cornerback, including six with the Buccaneers when Smith was the team’s linebackers coach.
“I want to thank the University of Illinois, (athletic director) Josh Whitman, the athletic department and Coach Smith for opening the door and giving me an opportunity to coach in the Big Ten,” Abraham said in a statement. “I will greatly miss the players, coaches and staff that I have had the privilege of working with this past year and a half. I know great things are on the horizon for this university and football team.
“This time away will allow me the opportunity to return to Florida and be a part of my son’s senior year in high school. Again, I wish the University of Illinois and this football program nothing but the best.”
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