EVANSTON — Two Illinois assistants won’t need directions to the Ryan Field locker room on Saturday. They know the place inside and out.
Illini linebackers coach Tim McGarigle is a former Northwestern player who tackled everybody during his time with the Wildcats. And Illinois offensive coordinator Garrick McGee had the same job at Northwestern in 2006 and ‘07. He joined Randy Walker’s staff as receivers coach in 2004.
McGarigle’s position coach at Northwestern was current head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
“He did a great job there,” McGarigle said. “He’s an intense coach. He’s mellowed out being a head coach, but he’s a great football coach.