EIU Hires Chris Wilkerson As Football Coach

Wilkerson played for the Panthers from 1991-94, earning his degree from EIU in 1995. He began his coaching career on the staff of Bob Spoo working with the Panthers from 1995-2001. He led the special teams unit all seven years and also had stints as defensive coordinator, linebackers coach and defensive line coach. The Panthers reached the NCAA FCS playoffs four times and won a pair of conference championships during his tenure. Wilkerson's defenses and special teams were regularly ranked in the national top 20 in numerous categories.

Wilkerson comes to EIU after a successful run as the head coach at the University of Chicago where he has posted winning seasons in seven of his eight seasons including an 8-2 record this past year with an offense that featured the leading rusher in Division III football. He has a 51-27 record in nine seasons as the UChicago head coach with the team not competing during the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

"I'm excited to welcome Chris Wilkerson back home as the next head football coach at Eastern Illinois," said  Michael. "The passion with which Chris played the game as a Panther the passion with which he speaks about EIU, show what a truly special place EIU is. He brings with him a proven track record of building a program with success on both sides of the football. I have no doubt that Chris will bring that same passion back to this program on the field when the Panthers suit up this fall."