Mike Turk completed his 11th season at the helm of the Fighting Illini, and 17th overall, in 2021-22. Since taking over as head coach following a last place finish at Big Ten Championships in 2010, Turk has the led the Illini back to the top of the Big Ten, highlighted by four Big Ten runner-up finishes and the 2015 Outdoor Big Ten Championship. Overall, Turk has accumulated more than 36 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level. Turk was promoted to Director of track & field and cross country in January, 2020, and also awarded a contract extension through August 15, 2023. 

Turk spent two seasons as the Illini's interim head coach in 2010 and 2011. Prior to taking over as head coach in 2010, he served as an assistant on Illinois' staff for four seasons (2006-09). During the four seasons, Turk guided Nick Brown to All-American honors in both the long jump and triple jump and Greg Shroka in the high jump.

Turk builds his program around a philosophy that is based on four core values - unity, integrity, transparency and focus - that aim to fulfill the University of Illinois' mission to "transform lives and serve society by mentoring excellence and cultivating leaders." These core values are met through a process oriented approach that is executed through engaging relationships and continual personal growth. 

In addition, Turk and his staff collaborate with the I-Perform initiative that seeks to improve student-athlete performance and well-being.  I-Perform focuses on the "standardization of training philosophy, a comprehensive wellness plan and the analysis of current sports science literature and technology to enhance the training process."  

Turk is a USATF Level II certified coach in the jumps and throws and as an instructor. He is a part of the USATF Coaches Education Level II staff and helped contribute to the USATF Level II Throws curriculum. Turk is a popular clinician and has spoken at numerous clinics throughout the country. He has also researched and authored several articles on coaching literature.

Since 2008, Turk has coached current American recorder holder, Gia Lewis-Smallwood, in the women's discus. A 2001 All-American and Big Ten champion at Illinois, Lewis-Smallwood is a three-time USA champion, three-time World Championships team member and a 2012 Olympian. From 2014-15, Lewis-Smallwood owned the second-best discus mark in the world (226'11", 69.17m).

As a student-athlete at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., Turk received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education in 1985 and competed on the varsity track and field team. He was the 1984 CCIW Conference Champion in the shot put.

Turk and his wife, Lori, reside in Mahomet and have three children, daughters Hannah and Payton and a son, Sam.

Updated: June 2022