Mike Neu, previously the head coach at Ball State, has been hired by coach Bret Bielema at Illinois to fill the position of senior offensive analyst, the program announced Thursday. The news was initially reported on social media by ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.

Former Ball State coach Mike Neu has joined Illinois’ staff as a senior offensive assistant. Illinois coach Bret Bielema announced the hire Thursday. Neu went 40-63 at Ball State from 2016-24. He was fired in November,

Illinois just bolstered their offensive coaching staff. According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Mike Neu has accepted a job as a senior offensive assistant. Neu, was the Ball State head coach from 2016 until his firing during the 2024 season.