Jimmy Lindsey was hired to Lovie Smith's Illinois staff as defensive ends coach on Jan. 17, 2020. 

Lindsey came to illinois after three seasons at Western Kentucky. He spent the 2018 and '19 seasons coaching defensive ends and serving as the recruiting coordinator for the Hilltoppers. In 2017, Lindsey was the defensive line coach. 

Prior to WKU, Lindsey spent one season at Georgia Southern where he served in a similar capacity. Prior to working in Statesboro, Lindsey spent four seasons at Furman as the defensive line coach and added the title of assistant head coach in 2015. At Furman, Lindsey mentored defensive end Gary Wilkins to All-America honors during his senior season in 2014 and a contract with the Oakland Raiders. Lindsey also helped Furman win a Southern Conference championship in 2013.

Before Furman, Lindsey spent two seasons at his alma mater, Chattanooga, coaching the defensive line and special teams. In 2011, four of Lindsey's defensive linemen earned All-SoCon honors including first-teamer Josh Williams. Lindsey also spent time coaching at Tennessee-Martin, Miami (OH), Gardner-Webb and with four NFL teams in the Minority Coaching Internship program.

During his time at Gardner-Webb (2003-06), Lindsey coached the defensive line and linebackers as well as served as the recruiting coordinator. One of Lindsey's products, Harold Wells, was named the 2004 I-AA Football Gazette National Defensive Lineman of the Year, and defensive end Brian Johnson was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008.

Lindsey, a 2001 graduate from Chattanooga with a degree in sports administration, is married to the former Lauren Thomas. He has one daughter, Kiara. Lindsey, a former linebacker, was a team captain at Chattanooga during his senior season in 1999 and the recipient of UTC's Marco Sheppard Mr. Hustle Award.

THE LINDSEY FILE

PERSONAL 
Born: Aug. 22, 1977
Hometown: Morven, N.C.
College: Chattanooga, '01
Wife: Lauren
Children: Kiara

PLAYING CAREER (Linebacker) 
College: Chattanooga (1996-99)

COACHING CAREER 
2000-01: Chattanooga (Assistant)
2002: Chattanooga (Linebackers)
2003-06: Gardner-Webb (Defensive Line/Linebackers/Special Teams/Recruiting Coordinator)
2007-08: Miami (Ohio) (Defensive Ends/Co-Special Teams Coordinator)
2009: Tennessee-Martin (Defensive Line)
2010-11: Chattanooga (Defensive Line/Special Teams)
2012-14: Furman (Defensive Line)
2015: Furman (Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line)
2016: Georgia Southern (Defensive Line)
2017: WKU (Defensive Line)
2018-19: WKU (Defensive Ends/Recruiting Coordinator)
2020-: Illinois (Defensive Ends)

NFL MINORITY COACHING INTERNSHIPS 
2006: Cleveland Browns
2008: Detroit Lions
2010: Denver Broncos
2013: San Diego Chargers