UNM names new head football coach

Mike Locksley's holidays just got a lot brighter.

According to ESPN, Locksley, Illinois' offensive coordinator, will succeed Rocky Long as UNM's head football coach.

Long resigned Nov. 17 after the Lobos went 4-8 overall and 2-5 in the Mountain West Conference.

Locksley just completed his fourth season as Illinois' offensive coordinator. In addition, Locksley was the quarterbacks coach for three seasons with the Fighting Illini.

While at Illinois, Locksley was named the No. 5 recruiter in the Big Ten and was rated among the top-20 recruiters nationally by Sports Illustrated.

Earlier this month, UNM athletics director Paul Krebs outlined a blueprint for the head coach UNM needed, saying the Lobos needed a "very strong recruiter."

Having been credited with recruiting current Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall to Illinois, Locksley could be ideal for the Lobos.

Krebs also said UNM needed a coach that would "run an exciting offense" and get fans in seats.

Likewise, Locksley was an offensive mastermind with the Fighting Illini, helping turn Illinois into a potent offensive. Illinois was ranked 19th nationally in total offense in 2008, averaging 439.4 yards per game.

Illinois finished the 2007-08 campaign 9-3 after losing to USC 49-17 in the Rose Bowl. Things weren't as successful this year, as the Fighting Illini concluded the season just 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten.

Still, Illini head coach Ron Zook told FightingIllini.com that UNM made the correct choice in selecting Locksley.

"I am very excited for Mike to have this opportunity," Zook said. "He is ready to take this next step, and I know he will be a great ambassador for the University of New Mexico. Locks is the whole package. He can coach; he can recruit; and he can motivate his players. He did a tremendous job with our offense here and will be missed."

Locksley will become only the fourth black head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision and will be introduced as head coach today at 3 p.m.