CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University football head coach Nick Hill announced changes to his coaching staff on Monday. Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Kraig Paulson, defensive line coach Austin Flyger, cornerbacks coach Carl Franks and quarterbacks coach Michael Williamson Jr. will not have their contracts renewed.

“Yesterday was the toughest day of my coaching career,” Hill said. “All four of these coaches are very good friends and outstanding men. They represented this program with the utmost integrity and did things the right way. I can’t thank them enough.” 

The Salukis finished the 2018 season with a 2-9 record and 1-7 mark in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and lost five games by a touchdown or less. Although the offense averaged 30.1 points per game, the defense allowed a school-record 40.7 points per contest. 

“Starting with me as the head coach, we all did not get the job done this season, and I felt like it was time for a change in certain areas,” Hill said. “I believe in this program and also understand that we have to win and that is what we will do.”