Six weeks after Hardy Nickerson accepted a linebackers coach position with the 49ers, he’s leaving.
Nickerson has quit the 49ers to become defensive coordinator at Illinois, where he’ll be the right-hand man to new head coach Lovie Smith. Nickerson previously coached on Smith’s staff on both the Bears and the Buccaneers. Nickerson had a 16-year NFL career with the Steelers, Buccaneers, Jaguars and Packers and was a five-time Pro Bowler.
“Hardy Nickerson is one of the few superstar players who have been able to transition into coaching and translate the style and level of play needed to succeed to the players he is coaching,” Smith said. “He has been on my staff with two different NFL teams, and I’m really looking forward to having Hardy join us here at the University of Illinois as our defensive coordinator. His ability to connect with young men and their families will be a huge benefit when it comes to recruiting, and his knowledge of our defense will certainly help us get to where we want to be faster.”
Nickerson is the second coach in the last two weeks to quit an NFL job to work for Smith. Luke Butkus quit his job as the Jaguars’ assistant offensive line coach to become offensive line coach for the Illini.
