Illinois co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch, who was offered the defensive coordinator job at USF by coach Jim Leavitt, is turning down that offer and remaining at Illinois.

"I'm glad that Dan Disch has decided to stay at Illinois," Illinois coach Ron Zook said in a statement. "He's been with this staff from the beginning and has been a huge part of the success we've been able to build here. This was a great opportunity for him, but he felt loyal to this university, this program and the players."

Leavitt has interviewed two other candidates -- Nebraska linebackers coach Mike Ekeler and former Cincinnati defensive coordinator Joe Tresey -- but Disch is the first candidate known to be offered the position. The Bulls are seeking a successor to longtime coordinator Wally Burnham, who resigned last week to take the same post at Iowa State.