Bret Bielema has some spots to fill on his coaching staff.

He filled one of them on Friday with Jared Elliott.

Elliott served as tight ends coach at New Mexico last year, and he’ll serve in the same position on the Illini staff in 2026.

The program said Elliott has served as a college coach for 18 years, including four years as the head coach at Western Illinois.

“I am excited to welcome Coach Elliott and his family to the Illinois famILLy,” Bielema said in a statement. “He brings a great reputation in the coaching community and a history of producing high-level tight ends. His experiences as a head coach, coordinator, and position coach will be an immediate asset to our players and staff.”

Elliott played QB and WR at Miami (Ohio) from 2004-07.