CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Clint Sintim has been named Illinois’ outside linebackers coach, head coach Bret Bielema announced. Sintim’s contract is pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its next meeting in March.
“I am excited about what Coach Sintim will bring to our program and our outside linebackers room,” said Bielema. “Coach Sintim’s experiences as a player at Virginia, then with the New York Giants, and now in coaching, will bring tremendous value to our team, as well as our recruiting in the state of Illinois and the East Coast. He will be a great addition to our Illini football famILLy.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Illinois football program under Coach Bielema’s leadership,” said Sintim. “During my interview, I had a great feeling about the team and staff. My wife, Angie, and our children are excited to begin this next chapter in Champaign.”
Sintim comes to Champaign from Virginia, where he spent the previous four years as a defensive coach. He coached Virginia’s defensive line from 2020-21, before switching to the team’s linebackers coach from 2022-23.
Sintim is a 10-year veteran in college coaching, which has followed his All-American playing career at Virginia and four years in the NFL. After playing in the 2009 Senior Bowl, Sintim was a second-round NFL Draft selection by the New York Giants. He played in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons for the Giants, before a knee injury sidelined him for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Sintim announced his retirement as a player in 2013, after an NFL career that included a Super Bowl XLVI championship when the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in Indianapolis.
Last season, Sintim coached Virginia true freshman linebacker Kam Robinson to multiple Freshman All-America honors. Robinson made eight starts and appeared in all 12 games for the Cavaliers in 2023, ranking third among FBS true freshman in tackles with 71, which led all ACC true freshmen. Robinson added 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four quarterback hurries, and two interceptions, including a pick-6 against then-No. 11 Louisville to tie the game at 14-14 in the third quarter on Nov. 9.
Sintim helped the Virginia defense make big improvements in 2022, including All-ACC linebacker Nick Jackson. Virginia ranked No. 3 in the ACC in pass defense, No. 5 in average…
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