CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Blake Smithback has been named the Illinois football program's offensive front assistant, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Smithback joins the Illini from Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was an assistant coach for three seasons.
"Blake is the son of a football coach and has a high football coaching IQ," said Bielema. "He has had success in his young career, first developing into a Big Ten offensive lineman and, most recently, being promoted and making a strong impact during his first coaching job at Whitewater. We are excited to add Blake to our staff."
"I am excited to join this program led by Coach Bielema," said Smithback. "I am looking forward to working with an incredible staff and talented group of student-athletes. The program is a proven winner that develops young men both on and off the field. I can't wait to contribute and keep pushing forward."
Smithback started his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2022 before being promoted to tight ends and fullbacks coach in 2023. Over three seasons at Whitewater from 2022-24, Smithback helped the team to 25 wins and two Division III Playoffs berths.
A native of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Smithback was a Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State First Team selection as a senior at Waunakee High School. He went on to play five seasons of college football at Wisconsin from 2017-21, earning four Academic All-Big Ten honors.
His father, Jon, has coached high school football in Wisconsin for over 30 years.
Smithback graduated from Wisconsin in 2021 with a double major in accounting and management & human resources.
"Blake is the son of a football coach and has a high football coaching IQ," said Bielema. "He has had success in his young career, first developing into a Big Ten offensive lineman and, most recently, being promoted and making a strong impact during his first coaching job at Whitewater. We are excited to add Blake to our staff."
"I am excited to join this program led by Coach Bielema," said Smithback. "I am looking forward to working with an incredible staff and talented group of student-athletes. The program is a proven winner that develops young men both on and off the field. I can't wait to contribute and keep pushing forward."
Smithback started his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2022 before being promoted to tight ends and fullbacks coach in 2023. Over three seasons at Whitewater from 2022-24, Smithback helped the team to 25 wins and two Division III Playoffs berths.
A native of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Smithback was a Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State First Team selection as a senior at Waunakee High School. He went on to play five seasons of college football at Wisconsin from 2017-21, earning four Academic All-Big Ten honors.
His father, Jon, has coached high school football in Wisconsin for over 30 years.
Smithback graduated from Wisconsin in 2021 with a double major in accounting and management & human resources.
