DeKALB – Former Eastern Illinois University defensive back and assistant coach DJ Bland has joined NIU’ football’s coaching staff as a cornerback coach, according to head coach Thomas Hammock.

Coach Bland spent the 2022 season at EIU, serving as defensive pass game coordinator, cornerback coach and recruiting coordinator. Bland, who played cornerback at EIU from 2010 to 2014, will focus primarily on the secondary.

Hammock talked about Bland’s communication skills and ability to develop young talent. 

“When we interviewed him, he was outstanding. I couldn’t be more impressed with him,” Hammock said via an NIU Athletics press release. “His teaching progression, how he develops players as student-athletes, what he’s done in the past, including the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator. He’s an excellent communicator. I feel really good about his ability to teach and develop the cornerback position for us.” 

Before his 1-year stint with his alma mater Bland served as the defensive back and recruiting coordinator at Missouri University of Science and Technology for four seasons. During his time at Missouri S&T, Bland’s defense ranked top three in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in eight defensive categories. 

Bland fills a void in the Huskie coaching staff left by the defensive coordinator and safeties coach Nick Benedetto, as Benedetto was moved to safeties coach.