CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Former Illini defensive lineman Antonio James has been named the Illinois football program's assistant defensive line coach, head coach Bret Bielema announced. James joins the Fighting Illini from Southern Illinois, where he spent the last two seasons as assistant head coach/defensive coordinator for the Salukis.
"Antonio's experiences as a coordinator and former Illinois football player will bring tremendous value to our program," said Bielema. "He has a deep understanding of our university, the state of Illinois, and extensive experiences coaching defensive linemen. We are excited to get Coach James back to Champaign."
"My family and I are happy to be a part of Illini nation," said James. "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Coach Bielema, the staff, and the University of Illinois. I am honored to come back to my alma mater and follow the lead that Coach Bielema and his staff have set."
James spent three seasons at Southern Illinois, first as defensive line coach in 2022 before being promoted to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator prior to the 2023 season. Under James' direction, SIU's defense was elite in 2023, ranking in the top 10 in the FCS in numerous statistical categories, including scoring defense (4th, 16.2 points per game), total defense (4th, 282.3 yards per game), sacks (6th, 3.00 sacks per game), rushing defense (5th, 94.2 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (7th, 111.73), turnovers gained (7th, 25 turnovers), and fourth down defense (8th, 0.333 conversion rate).
Prior to Southern Illinois, James coached four seasons at Morgan State as the program's defensive coordinator and co-special teams coordinator from 2018-21. He was instrumental in guiding the Bears' fast and aggressive style of attack.
The Bears' 2018 defense ranked among the league leaders in a number of categories, including No. 1 in sacks (29), No. 1 in red zone defense, t-No. 1 in fourth down defense (29.4%), No. 2 in interceptions (14), No. 2 in pass defense efficiency (113.0), No. 3 in rushing defense (153.9 yards per game), No. 3 in third down defense (30.4%), No. 4 in opponent first downs (18 per game), and No. 4 in scoring defense (25.6 points per game).
James got his start in college football coaching as a graduate assistant coach for Michigan from 2014-16, assisting with the defensive line. Michigan had back-to-back 10-win seasons during his final two years in Ann Arbor and finished both seasons ranked inside the top 12 in the AP Top 25 poll. Following his stint with Michigan, James was named to the 2017 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 30 Under 30 Coaches' Leadership Institute.
James' first job in coaching was at Urbana High School, where he coached the defensive line and outside linebackers from 2011-13 following his playing career at Illinois.
James was a four-year letterman on the defensive line for the Fighting Illini from 2006-09 and helped lead Illinois to the 2008 Rose Bowl Game. He earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois in 2010.
James is a native of Massillon, Ohio, and attended Washington (Ohio) High School, where he was named an All-Ohio First Team selection by the Associated Press as a senior.
"Antonio's experiences as a coordinator and former Illinois football player will bring tremendous value to our program," said Bielema. "He has a deep understanding of our university, the state of Illinois, and extensive experiences coaching defensive linemen. We are excited to get Coach James back to Champaign."
"My family and I are happy to be a part of Illini nation," said James. "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Coach Bielema, the staff, and the University of Illinois. I am honored to come back to my alma mater and follow the lead that Coach Bielema and his staff have set."
James spent three seasons at Southern Illinois, first as defensive line coach in 2022 before being promoted to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator prior to the 2023 season. Under James' direction, SIU's defense was elite in 2023, ranking in the top 10 in the FCS in numerous statistical categories, including scoring defense (4th, 16.2 points per game), total defense (4th, 282.3 yards per game), sacks (6th, 3.00 sacks per game), rushing defense (5th, 94.2 yards per game), pass efficiency defense (7th, 111.73), turnovers gained (7th, 25 turnovers), and fourth down defense (8th, 0.333 conversion rate).
Prior to Southern Illinois, James coached four seasons at Morgan State as the program's defensive coordinator and co-special teams coordinator from 2018-21. He was instrumental in guiding the Bears' fast and aggressive style of attack.
The Bears' 2018 defense ranked among the league leaders in a number of categories, including No. 1 in sacks (29), No. 1 in red zone defense, t-No. 1 in fourth down defense (29.4%), No. 2 in interceptions (14), No. 2 in pass defense efficiency (113.0), No. 3 in rushing defense (153.9 yards per game), No. 3 in third down defense (30.4%), No. 4 in opponent first downs (18 per game), and No. 4 in scoring defense (25.6 points per game).
James got his start in college football coaching as a graduate assistant coach for Michigan from 2014-16, assisting with the defensive line. Michigan had back-to-back 10-win seasons during his final two years in Ann Arbor and finished both seasons ranked inside the top 12 in the AP Top 25 poll. Following his stint with Michigan, James was named to the 2017 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 30 Under 30 Coaches' Leadership Institute.
James' first job in coaching was at Urbana High School, where he coached the defensive line and outside linebackers from 2011-13 following his playing career at Illinois.
James was a four-year letterman on the defensive line for the Fighting Illini from 2006-09 and helped lead Illinois to the 2008 Rose Bowl Game. He earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois in 2010.
James is a native of Massillon, Ohio, and attended Washington (Ohio) High School, where he was named an All-Ohio First Team selection by the Associated Press as a senior.
Coaching Career
| Years | University | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Illinois | Assistant Defensive Line Coach |
| 2023-24 | Southern Illinois | Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line |
| 2022 | Southern Illinois | Defensive Line |
| 2018-21 | Morgan State | Defensive Coordinator/Co-Special Teams Coordinator |
| 2014-16 | Michigan | Graduate Assistant (Defensive Line) |
| 2011-13 | Urbana HS | Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers |
