Northwestern University Athletics
Adam Cushing Named Head Coach at Eastern Illinois
12/10/2018 3:31:00 PM | Football
Cushing spent 14 seasons on the Wildcats' staff, including 12 as a full-time assistant. He has been at the helm of the offensive line for the last 10 seasons (2009-18) after serving as the program's superbacks coach from 2007-08. Cushing also made a name for himself on the recruiting front during his days as the Wildcats' recruiting coordinator (2008-11), twice earning recognition from the industry media members as one of the Big Ten's top recruiters (Rivals.com in 2007, ESPN.com in 2009).
"Adam has been a mainstay on our staff throughout my entire head coaching tenure, and someone I've relied upon constantly," Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "Across a variety of roles, he's proven to be a terrific recruiter and a relentless teacher of the game. Over the last five years he coached an offensive line that blocked for the most productive running back and quarterback in Northwestern history. Our staff won't be the same without him, but he's ready for this new chapter, and he's earned it. We're so excited for Adam, Jaime and their entire family for this opportunity in Charleston!"
Most recently, Cushing's offensive line helped block for the most productive running back and quarterback in program history. Running back Justin Jackson became just the second player in Big Ten history to rush for 1,000 yards in four-straight seasons, finishing his career as the program's all-time leader in rushing yards with 5,440. Cushing's offensive line also helped protect quarterback Clayton Thorson while he started a Big Ten record 52-straight games behind center, setting program records for passing touchdowns, attempts, completions and ranking second in yards.
Right guard Tommy Doles earned consensus third-team All-Big Ten honors for his play during the 2017 season and right tackle Rashawn Slater earned third-team honors this season in just his sophomore campaign.
Cushing will remain in his role as the program's offensive line coach through the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl on New Year's Eve versus No. 17 Utah.
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