CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois head coach Nick Hill announced on Tuesday that assistant head coach Antonio James will take over as the team’s defensive coordinator. He replaces D.J. Vokolek, who resigned.
Entering his second season as SIU defensive line coach, James has previous Division I experience as a defensive coordinator, having served as the DC at at Morgan State for four seasons from 2018-21. The Bears led the MEAC in numerous statistical categories during James’ tenure.
“This came out of the blue the day before training camp – but Coach Vokolek has to make decisions that are best for him and his family,” Hill said. “Saluki football moves on, and I’m super-excited about Antonio James. Antonio is on staff, is ready to do it, and is proven to do it at the FCS level. I think our guys will be excited to play for him.”
In 2017, James was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute. This summer, he was awarded a Bill Walsh coaching fellowship with the Chicago Bears, and worked with the NFL franchise during mini-camp and the first two weeks of training camp.
“Antonio is a phenomenal coach and is so well-organized,” Hill said. “I have no reservations about him taking over our defense.”
As a player, James was a four-year letterman on the defensive line at the University of Illinois (2006-09), and helped lead the Fighting Illini to the 2008 Rose Bowl Game. He appeared in 46 career games with six starts, and finished his collegiate career with 40 tackles, six tackles-for-losses and two-and-a-half sacks.
Hill also said special teams coordinator Gary McGraw, who served as pass-game coordinator and cornerbacks coach at Sam Houston State from 2016-21, will take over Vokolek’s role as safeties coach.
