Jimmy Champion is in his second season at Illinois College, serving as the Linebackers Coach.

The Blueboys are coming off a successful season in Champions' debut on the Hilltop in 2024. IC posted an 8-2 record and 13 Blueboys were named All-Midwest Conference, including six defenders.

Jimmy coached Safeties at Bemidji State University during the 2023 season, where he mentored two all-conference performers and helped the Beaver defense rank in the top three in multiple statistics, including first in scoring, defensive efficiency, and opponent 3rd down conversion. 

Bemidji State reached the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs and hosted a second-round game for the first time. 

Before joining the staff at Bemidji State, Champion was the Outside Linebacker Coach/Video Coordinator at Ferris State from 2020-22. He was a part of the staff that helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back National Championships. 

His coaching career began as a student assistant (working with the wide receivers) at Ferris from 2016-20. During his time in this position, the Bulldogs were 74-8 while he helped coach multiple all-league performers. 

Champion received a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in educational leadership from Ferris State. He currently resides in Springfield with his wife Alyssa and their two dogs Mavis, and Ed.