per IL newspaper....
NORMAL — Jake Schoonover, a seven-year member of the Illinois State football team's defensive coaching staff, has resigned and Brian Hendricks has been hired as the Redbird defensive line coach.
"I absolutely love Illinois State. I love the town, I love the school," said Schoonover. "I've been here longer than anywhere in my life. But it was time to move on and look elsewhere."
Schoonover, who said he turned in his resignation earlier this month, has served as ISU's linebackers coach and also was the special teams coordinator the past five seasons.
"We wish him well. He wanted to explore career opportunities elsewhere," Redbird head coach Brock Spack said. "I thank him for everything he did here."
Schoonover maintained his decision had nothing to with the fact he did not get the defensive coordinator position vacated when Spence Nowinsky left the program for Miami of Ohio. Travis Niekamp has been hired as coordinator.
"Not getting defensive coordinator is not why I'm leaving. I would have been excited to work with Travis," said Schoonover. "When you're at a place long enough, sooner or later you've got to spread your roots and get moving."
Schoonover said he has another coaching position "lined up" but added the hiring has yet to be finalized. "I will be in coaching," he said.
Welcome to the Nest Coach
