Ben Dessauer is in his first season on the Illinois football staff as player personnel assistant in 2025. 

Dessauer joined the Fighting Illini from Ball State, where he was the program's assistant director of player personnel. Prior to Ball State, Dessauer was at Butler, where he was the director of player personnel from 2023-24 after previously working as a recruiting analyst in 2022. At Butler, he completed daily player evaluations and maintained the program's transfer and recruiting boards. Dessauer also contributed to organizing official and unofficial visits and game day operations.

Prior to Butler, Dessauer worked for Sports Info Solutions and held internships with BLESTO Scouting, the Fan Controlled Football League, and College Gridiron Showcase. His first coaching job was with Guerin Catholic High School as an assistant.

Dessauer earned his bachelor’s degree in sports administration from the University of Cincinnati in 2021. He is a native of Noblesville, Indiana.