Craig Neece enters his third season as the Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach for the Blueboys in 2023.

In 2022, the Illinois College defense ranked as one of the top defenses in the country finishing first in the country in total pass yards allowed, second in pass yards per attempt, second in interception returns for touchdowns, 10th in third down percentage, 13th in yards per play, 17th in total yards and 25th in yards per game. In week 6 vs. Lawrence University, the Blueboys posted their first shutout in 17 years.
 
In 2021, the Blueboys saw their defense rank in the top half of the conference in every statistical category. The season concluded with All-Region honors for DE Jaylin Swan and DT Drew Gognat, with All-Midwest honors for DE Jaylin Swan, DT Drew Gognat, LB Kyle Lane and CB Cameron Jones. 
 
Under Neece’s guidance, the Blueboys have had 6 All-Midwest conference players, 3 Midwest Conference Players of the Week and 2 All-Region honors. Prior to Illinois College, Neece began his coaching career at MacMurray College as the Defensive Line Coach, where he mentored 2 All-UMAC defensive ends in David Powell and Javon Muhammad, Muhammad going on to be a Cliff Harris Award Nominee and All-Region honors. He then went on to become the Defensive Line Coach at Missouri Baptist University in 2017, where he coached 1st Team All-Mid States defensive end Maleek Ross. Neece then took on the role of Tight Ends Coach at Butler University for a stint from 2018 to 2020. He then left to become a Defensive Assistant at University of Toledo in 2020, where he helped guide 2nd Team All-MAC DE Jamal Hines and 2nd Team All-MAC DT Desjuan Johnson before receiving his position at Illinois College. 

Neece is originally from Saint Louis, Missouri. During his playing career he attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. At DePauw he was a four year starter, letter winner, All-Conference and All-America selection, as well as the James C. Lovelace Award Winner as a defensive end.

Neece received his Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from DePauw University in 2015. He then went on to receive a Masters degree in Sports Management from Missouri Baptist University in 2018. After his college career Neece played professionally for 3 seasons before turning to coaching.

Neece now resides in Jacksonville, Illinois with his wife Katie and their two children, Hadley and Carson.