Aug. 28, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Two days prior to the first game, Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson completed his coaching staff with the hiring of Jered Hooker, who has begun immediately working with the Redbird kickers, punters and long snappers. Hooker fills the void left by Bill Teerlinck, who left the ISU staff during training camp to take an assistant coaching position with the Indianapolis Colts.
"We are excited about adding Coach Hooker to the staff," Johnson said. "With the late departure of Bill Teerlinck, it left an opening on the staff. We had lengthy discussions about what to do with that position, and I have felt compelled for some time to have somebody who has expertise in the kicking game. Coach Hooker does have that. He has a lengthy coaching history of coaching special teams and brings a variety of administrative skills, as well. He is going to be a welcomed addition to our staff, and one that we are going to get a huge benefit from."
"It is a privilege and an honor to work with Coach Johnson and his staff," Hooker said. "I'm delighted to be a Redbird and to be a part of this football program. Without reservation, I'm looking forward to working with the ISU special teams and I hope to have an impact in that area."
Hooker has spent over a decade working extensively with kickers and punters, including an seven-year stint at McKendree College from 1996-2002 as an assistant coach. He also spent eight summers working with the kickers and punters at Illinois, as part of Ron Turner's summer camp staff.
During the spring, Hooker was an assistant coach for the Bloomington Extreme, a member of the United Indoor Football league. With the Extreme, he also worked with special teams and handled football operations.
Hooker and his wife, Jane, have four grown sons and three grandsons.
