Banks hired as Illini defensive coordinator

Published Jan. 18, 2012 5:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

New Illinois coach Tim Beckman has hired Cincinnati co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks as his defensive coordinator.

Banks, whose hiring was announced Wednesday, spent two seasons at Cincinnati after leading Central Michigan's defense for three years.

Under Banks, the Bearcats defense was ranked sixth in the country against the run at 96 yards per game and 42nd in total defense at 357.4 yards per game. Cincinnati led the country in tackles for loss with 111 and was No. 2 in sacks with 45.

Beckman said Banks will run ''a very aggressive'' defense at Illinois.

Banks fills the last opening on Beckman's staff and replaces Vic Koenning.