Steve Jones

@stevejones_cj

Louisville offensive coordinator Garrick McGee is leaving the Cardinals for the same position on Lovie Smith's new staff at Illinois, U of L coach Bobby Petrino confirmed Wednesday.

“I wish Garrick McGee and his family nothing but the best, and I am grateful for his friendship and commitment," Petrino said a statement. "I’ve known him for a long time, and I’m going to miss him as a person and a coach. He did a great job wherever we have coached together, and I think he has a great football mind. I know it was a difficult decision for him because he’s had such a close relationship with Lovie Smith, and he feels like this is the right move for him. I wish him nothing but success, and I am grateful for his dedication through the years.”

McGee, who also coached Louisville's quarterbacks, was the only U of L staff member who didn't attend the Cards' pro day for NFL draft-bound seniors Wednesday morning.

Sports Illustrated reported on Tuesday that McGee, who was recruited by Smith as a high school player to Arizona State and has maintained a longtime friendship with him, had become Smith's top target to become the Illini's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. News of McGee's departure broke Wednesday morning, as first reported by ESPN.com.

McGee's move comes a year after he turned down interest in the coordinator's job at Oklahoma, his alma mater where he transferred after starting college at ASU, to remain with Louisville, which gave him a $200,000 raise. Smith made $850,000 last year at U of L – the 19th-highest salary of any assistant coach nationally. McGee also held the position of assistant head coach at Louisville.

McGee is a former UAB head coach who came to the Cards when Petrino was hired in 2014 to replace Charlie Strong. He was also on Petrino's staff at Arkansas. He has experience as a Big Ten coordinator, having held the position at Northwestern from 2006-07.

Moving to Illinois to work for Smith, who is a defensive-minded coach, would presumably free up McGee to call plays and be the main decision-maker on offense. At U of L, Petrino is heavily involved in all aspects of the offense.

McGee couldn't be immediately reached on Wednesday and didn't respond to messages.

His departure comes at a less than ideal time to find a replacement – just two weeks before the Cardinals begin spring practice and after several programs around the country have already started spring ball.

McGee's replacement will inherit a talented offense. The Cards return 10 starters, including speedy dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson.