Ole Miss is expected to name Illinois assistant George McDonald as the program’s next wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, according to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

McDonald has spent the last three seasons at his alma mater. Before that, he has coached pass-catchers at both the collegiate and NFL levels during a career that has spanned two decades.

Under McDonald’s tutelage, Illinois wideout Isaiah Williams made a move from quarterback — where he started four times in 2020 — to wide receiver and developed into the program’s seventh-ever first-team All-Big Ten selection at wideout. Williams posted 82 receptions for 1,055 yards and five scores in 2023.

McDonald will replace Derrick Nix, who left earlier this month to become the new offensive coordinator at Auburn.

Prior to Illinois, McDonald had previous stints at NC State (co-offensive coordinator, wideouts; 2015-20), Syracuse (OC, WRs; 2013-14), Miami (passing game coordinator, WRs; 2011-12), Minnesota (WRs; 2007-08), Western Michigan (OC, WRs; 2005-06), Stanford (tight ends; 2004), and Northern Illinois (WRs; 2001-03). He also coached wide receivers with the Cleveland Browns in 2009 and 2010.

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This past season, Illinois had a trio of wideouts all bring in at least 40 receptions, at least 560 yards, and at least four touchdowns. Four wideouts cleared 30 receptions and 300 yards during the 2022 campaign.

At Ole Miss, McDonald will walk into one of the best receiver rooms in the country. The group features Tre Harris (985 yards, 8 TDs in 2023), Jordan Watkins (741 yards, 3 TDs), South Carolina transfer Antwane Wells (928 yards, 6 TDs in 2022), Cayden Lee, Ayden Williams, and Deion Smith — the No. 1 junior college recruit in the country during the 2024 cycle.