Illinois State football head coach Brock Spack announced on Mar. 13 that assistant coach Mickey Turner has been promoted to offensive coordinator, along with several other coaching title adjustments for the upcoming 2026 season.
The changes are intended to strengthen the Redbird football program as it prepares for the new season. Illinois State Redbirds is linked to Illinois State University, and its athletic programs compete in NCAA Division I events across various regions, according to the official website.
Spack said, “Mickey has been a key member of our offensive coaching staff the past three seasons and has been instrumental in our success in the passing game. He’s a bright offensive mind and knows our personnel well. I know he will collaborate well with the rest of our staff, and we look forward to his leadership.”
Turner is entering his fourth year with Illinois State, having previously worked with wide receivers and served as co-special teams coordinator. He played a role in developing Daniel Sobkowicz into one of the top receivers in Football Championship Subdivision history at ISU, as well as mentoring Luke Mailander, who was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Freshman of the Year in 2025. Prior to joining Illinois State, Turner spent eight years on Wisconsin’s coaching staff working with tight ends and fullbacks under head coach Paul Chryst.
“Illinois State is a special place, and it’s an honor to step into the role of Offensive Coordinator here,” Turner stated. “I’m thankful to Coach Spack and the administration for trusting me with this responsibility. This program means a lot to me, and I’m excited to continue working with a talented group of players and coaches. Let’s get to work!”
Other staff adjustments include C.J. Irvin as Assistant Head Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Tight Ends/Fullbacks/Assistant Offensive Line/Pro Liaison; Kye Stewart as Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers; Dru Richardson as Assistant Coach/Special Teams Assistant/Defensive Backs; Mike Grant as Assistant Coach/Running Backs/Returners; Jake Barro as Defensive Quality Control/Assistant General Manager; Max Caltagerone as Defensive Recruiting Coordinator; and Zach Bodway as Assistant Offensive Recruiting Coordinator/Special Teams Assistant.
The Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund supports competitiveness and recruitment for Illinois State Redbirds according to the official website. The athletics department also utilizes resources such as the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for student-athlete preparation, offers news, schedules, rosters, fan resources online, and recently saw its men’s basketball team post an 8-2 record in one of its best starts according to information from their official site.
