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Aaron Henry officially named defensive coordinator

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois assistant coach Aaron Henry is the Fighting Illini's new defensive coordinator, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Henry has spent the last two seasons on Bielema's staff leading one of the nation's best defensive backs units.

"I am thrilled to announce Aaron Henry as our defensive coordinator," said Bielema. "Aaron is a special person and coach. His ability to connect with our current roster, as well as potential student-athletes, is among the best I've been around. He has a gift to teach, motivate, inspire, and lead young people. Aaron has made an enormous impact on our defensive backs room in two years, most notably with the growth of Devon Witherspoon and Tahveon Nicholson. He will be an accomplished defensive coordinator."

Henry's cornerbacks were the best in the country against the pass in 2022, as Illinois finished the regular season leading the nation in interceptions (22), passing efficiency defense (89.8), fewest passing touchdowns allowed (8), and fewest yards per pass attempt (5.4). Led by the Big Ten's Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year and Paycom Jim Thorpe Award finalist Devon Witherspoon, Illinois' defense ranked in the top 10 in the nation in 17 major defensive categories during the regular season, including ranking second in the nation in scoring defense (12.3) and third in total defense (263.8). The defense played a major factor in Illinois' program ascent to an 8-4 record and the team's first January bowl game in 15 years.

Henry coached Witherspoon's rise, as the potential first round NFL draft pick went from relative unknown to the best cornerback in the nation in a two-year span. Witherspoon had started 10 games in his first two seasons in Champaign prior to Henry's arrival, then jumped to an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection in 2021 before becoming Illinois' first ever Consensus All-American defensive back in 2022.

"I am thrilled and thankful to serve as the defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois," said Henry. "Words cannot express how excited I am about the future of this program and the journey ahead. We have a great group of players, coaches, and support staff that Coach B has assembled. This moment is special to me because I have the opportunity to continue to lead and serve incredible young men, as well as coach alongside a man whom I admire and played college football under, Coach B."

Henry was part of one of the best defensive turnarounds in the nation in 2021, helping Illinois to a 5-7 record and ranked wins over #7 Penn State and #20 Minnesota. Illinois' scoring defense (31st from 97th), third down defense (31st from 89th), and total defense (52nd from 114th) all improved more than 50 spots in the national rankings from 2020, thanks in large part to the Illini's improved pass defense. Illinois led the Big Ten in fewest passing yards allowed in Big Ten games, a jump of nine spots in the Big Ten rankings with 49.5 fewer passing yards allowed per game year-over-year. The Illini made massive gains in the overall Big Ten defensive rankings, as well, jumping nine or more spots in scoring defense (4th from 14th), touchdowns allowed (t-3rd from 14th), and yards allowed per game (5th from 14th). The cornerbacks position group stats improved in nearly every category from the year prior, including passes defended (2.08 from 1.25), TFLs (1.25 from 0.38), and sacks (2.0 from 0.0).

Henry, who was a standout player and coached under Bielema at both Wisconsin and Arkansas, moved to Champaign-Urbana after SEC, ACC, and Big Ten stops at Vanderbilt, North Carolina State and Rutgers. He played under Bielema at Wisconsin where he was an All-Big Ten first team defensive back, earning 32 starts from 2007-11, and helping lead the Badgers to consecutive Big Ten titles and Rose Bowl appearances as a junior and senior.

Henry spent the 2020 season as cornerbacks coach at Vanderbilt after three seasons at North Carolina State. He worked under Commodores and Wolfpack defensive coordinator Ted Roof at both schools, and helped NC State to a 9-3 record and Gator Bowl appearance in 2018. Henry has coached in three bowl games, including the 2018 Gator Bowl, 2017 Sun Bowl, and 2015 Liberty Bowl, and will coach in his fourth on Jan. 2 when Illinois takes on Mississippi State in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Henry served as a secondary coach while at NC State, starting with the Wolfpack as a safeties coach in 2017 and working with nickelbacks during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The Wolfpack secondary registered 28 interceptions during Henry's tenure, including 14 picks in 2017, the most by an NC State defensive unit since 2011.

Henry's first full-time coaching position came in 2016 at Rutgers, where he served as defensive backs coach for head coach Chris Ash. That season, the Scarlet Knights ranked 18th nationally in pass defense. He began his coaching career in the SEC, serving as a defensive graduate assistant at Arkansas under Bielema in 2014 and 2015. In his final season at Arkansas, the Razorbacks captured five SEC victories and won six of their last seven games, including a victory in the Liberty Bowl.

Henry finished his Wisconsin playing career with seven interceptions, 23 defended passes and 181 career tackles. As a senior in 2011, Henry was an All-Big Ten first team performer and quarterfinalist for the LOTT IMPACT Trophy. He garnered four interceptions and 67 tackles that season. Henry also earned the Badgers' Big Ten Football Conference Sportsmanship Award and was an All-Big Ten second team pick in 2010 as a junior. Henry appeared in 52 games, starting 32 times.

Henry was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient. He earned a bachelor's degree in consumer affairs from Wisconsin in 2011 and completed a master's degree in sports management from Arkansas in 2015.

A native of Immokalee, Florida, Henry played football, basketball, baseball and ran track at Immokalee High School. As a wide receiver and defensive back, he helped Immokalee to the 2004 Florida state title and an undefeated regular season in 2006. He was an all-state football player, all-county basketball player, and state qualifier in track. Henry and his wife, Camille, married in January 2022.
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