Jim Connell

JCONNELL@NEWS-LEADER.COM

Evangel University is looking for a new head football coach, after the surprise dismissal Tuesday night of Brenton Illum after six seasons at the school.

“It is regretful that I must inform you that Coach Brenton Illum has been dismissed from his position as head football coach of Evangel University,” Michael McCorcle, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said in a statement.

“Coach Chuck Hepola will assume leadership of the team as interim head coach, and we will begin the process of hiring a new head coach immediately.”

The timing is surprising, coming more than three months after the 2015 season ended, and about a month after Illum signed a 28-player recruiting class, with half of them hailing from southwest Missouri.

“We are proud of our football program and our great players that show athletic skill on the field and a strong dedication to Christ and community off the field,” Director of Athletics Dennis McDonald said in a release. “The assistant coaching staff have all been instrumental in the development of our players and the program, and their work will continue next year.

“Please be in prayer for our students and their coaches during this time of transition.”

Illum compiled a 27-36 overall record in his six seasons, and 21-30 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. He led the Crusaders to their first winning season in six years with a 7-4 finish in 2012, and the 17-15 overall record from 2012-2014 was the best three-year record at the school since 2005-07.

The Evangel alum posted a statement to his Facebook page Tuesday evening.

"As of today, I will no longer be the head football coach at Evangel. I've given everything I have to try to build this program the past 6 years and unfortunately this is the end. I will miss these players and coaches with all of my heart. We will take this opportunity to grow, to mature, and to approach our next adventure as better versions of ourselves.

"Thank you to all who Molly and I call friends who have already reached out to us. We love you and we appreciate you.

"My cell will stay the same but my new email is brentonillum@gmail.com. We don't know what is next for us, in or out of football, but we appreciate your prayers and support."

Illum also served as the interim director of athletics in 2014-15.

Hepola completed his first season as an assistant at Evangel last season, as the quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator. He previously has worked on the staffs in the high school ranks at Rogersville, Willard and Hillcrest.