Western Illinois University Leathernecks football announced on March 11 the hiring and promotion of five staff members ahead of spring football. The changes include Jackson King as running backs coach and director of player development, Austin Taylor as defensive line coach, Grace Horton as director of football operations, Jake Ackman as offensive graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach, and Chris Irvin as offensive graduate assistant and assistant offensive line coach.
The announcement comes as the team prepares for the upcoming season in Macomb, Illinois. These additions are expected to strengthen both the coaching staff and operational support for the program, which competes at the NCAA Division I level according to the official website.
King returns to an offensive role after working with linebackers last season. His previous experience includes coaching at Eastern Illinois alongside Coach Davis and serving in various roles at Trinity International University and Culver-Stockton College. Taylor joins from Indiana Wesleyan University, where his defense set multiple records in 2024. Horton brings experience from Yale University and Sacred Heart University in operations and recruiting. Ackman is promoted internally after playing quarterback at St. Ambrose University, while Irvin transitions from player to coach following two seasons with Western Illinois.
Western Illinois hosts its home games in Macomb according to the official website and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference according to the official website. The program has a history that includes conference titles in years such as 1997 and 1998 along with playoff appearances according to the official website. Notable former players include Aaron Stecker, who rushed for nearly 1,960 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in 1997 according to the official website.
For more information about Leatherneck Football or updates on these staff changes, fans are encouraged to visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow team social media channels.
