By: The head football coach for the past eight seasons, Campbell will be moving to his native California after leading the Blueboys to a 51-30 record in his tenure.
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Following eight seasons on the sidelines as the Illinois College head football coach,
Garrett Campbell is resigning from his post at Illinois College and returning to his native California for a position at Fullerton College, Athletic Director
Mike Snyder announced on Thursday. Long-time Associate Head Coach
Ray DeFrisco has been announced as the new head coach of the Illinois College program.
During his tenure, Campbell led the Blueboys to an overall record of 51-30 and the program's first trip to the NCAA Division III Playoffs. The lone losing season for Campbell came in his first year in charge in 2008 and the Blueboys have been .500 or better in every season since 2009. IC compiled a 44-20 record in Midwest Conference games during those eight years and earned an at-large berth to the postseason in 2011. Illinois College also won the South Division of the MWC in 2014 with a perfect 5-0 record.
A total of 78 student-athletes were named First Team, Second Team or honorable mention All-Midwest Conference under Campbell's tutelage. Michael Bates, a four-year starting quarterback, was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy in his senior season in 2014. The Blueboys also had the MWC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, 2013 and 2014, and the MWC's Offensive Player of the Year in 2013. Campbell himself was voted MWC South Division Coach of the Year in 2014.
"I would like to thank Coach Campbell for his time here at Illinois College," said Athletic Director
Mike Snyder. "During his eight years at the helm, he has elevated this football program to new heights and created a culture where young men can learn about discipline, accountability and integrity. He has been a strong leader in the department, on campus and in the Jacksonville community. I want to wish him well on the next stage of his career.
"This program is one of the strongest in the Midwest Conference and all of Division III football," Snyder continued. "I am happy that Coach
Ray DeFrisco has agreed to take over the leadership of the program moving forward. His 10 years of experience with the program will bring consistency of leadership to continue our march to a Midwest Conference championship and beyond."
"This decision was a difficult one for me and my wife, but the opportunity to return to a college where I played and started my coaching career while being close to family was the deciding factor for us," explained Campbell. "While I'm proud of all that we have accomplished in eight years on the field, I'm even more proud that we have run a first-class program in our development of young men. I would like to thank former President Axel Steuer for giving me my first head coaching opportunity. I would also like to thank President Farley and
Mike Snyder for their continued support of the football program."
"I am extremely happy to hear that Coach DeFrisco will be new Head Coach of the Blueboy football program," said Campbell. "I have the utmost faith in Ray's abilities; he was my first full-time hire in 2008. He is extremely organized, has great integrity and is a tireless recruiter. He has done such an incredible job in his role as Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, that I know he is ready to lead this program. I have no doubt the young men in this program will enjoy their experience following Ray's leadership."
"I am very happy for Garrett and his family," said DeFrisco. "I have learned a tremendous amount from him both on and off the field and I wish him the best of luck. For myself, I look forward to the incredible opportunity of leading this program. I am grateful that President Farley and
Mike Snyder have placed this task in front of me. Our culture and goals will stay consistent in our program, and I look forward to making this a smooth transition."
Campbell's final day at Illinois College will be on May 25. DeFrisco will begin his duties as Head Coach that day.
