Adam Cushing Press Conference
Follow on Twitter @CoachCushing & @EIUPantherFB
Eastern Illinois
• Hired as 25th head coach in program history – Dec. 9, 2018 (enters third season in 2021)
* First career win on Nov. 9, 2019 - 49-38 at Tennessee State
* Posted 1-11 record, 1-7 in Ohio Valley Conference in first year
* Coached nine All-OVC selections (two 1st team, four 2nd team, three All-Newcomer)
* Coached three Freshmen All-Americans
* Coached one Sophomore All-American
* Had biggest Illinois based recruiting class in more than 20 seasons (in 2019)
* Team ranked 30th in FCS in total defense in 2019
* Team ranked 18th in FCS in fewest penalties in 2019, improved to 5th in the FCS in 2020
* Team ranked 1st in FCS in fourth down conversions in 2019
* Team ranked in Top 25 in FCS in special teams in 2020 (2nd in kick return defense, 9th in blocked kicks, 22nd in punt returns, 23rd in kick returns)
* Team ranked 39th in FCS in rushing defense in 2020, 44th in turnovers gained
* FCS Coaches Poll Top 25 voter in 2020
* Named to Football Oversight Committee
* Career record (2-16, 2-12 in OVC)
Northwestern
• Coached 15 years on NU Staff, 13 seasons under Coach Pat Fitzgerald
• Team won Big Ten Conference West Division in 2018 (8-1 record)
• Helped coach team to win over Utah in 2018 Holiday Bowl in final game at Northwestern
• Coached Offensive Line for Wildcats since 2009
• Coached Superbacks position in 2008
• Coached Tight Ends & H-Backs in 2005-07
• Served as recruiting coordinator from 2008-10
• Graduate assistant coach in 2004
• Twice named one of Big Ten Top Recruiters by Rivals.com & ESPN.com
• Coached Drake Dunsmore (Freshman All-Big Ten / 7th Round NFL Pick)
• Offensive Line Blocked For Five (5) 1,000 yard rushers
• Offensive Line allowed fewest sacks in Big Ten in 2012
• Coached two selections to the East-West Shrine Game
• Coached Three Academic All-Americans
• Coached Seven All-Big Ten Offensive Line Selections
• Helped coach team to Ten (10) post-season Bowl appearances
• Coached two-time Rimington Award candidate Ben Burkett
• Coached Brandon Vitabile, a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy
• Coached offensive line that blocked for NCAA record plays vs. Auburn
--- 115 offensive plays in 2010 Outback Bowl
--- helped quarterback Mike Kafka set Outback Bowl record
• Coached offensive line unit that ranked in top four in Big Ten
University of La Verne
• Assistant Coach in 2002 & 2003
• Coached Tight Ends in 2002
• Coached Offensive Line in 2003
Personal
• Played collegiately at University of Chicago
• Three-time All-University Athletic Association Selection (1999-01) at Tight End
• Helped team win two UAA titles in 1998 & 2000
• Finished career with 72 receptions, 10th on University of Chicago all-time list
• Bachelor’s Degree from University of Chicago in 2002 (Psychology)
• Master’s Degree from University of La Verne in 2004
• Brother Matt Cushing played six years in National Football League (Pittsburgh)
• He and wife Dr. Jaime Cushing, DDS, have three children – Abigail, Dana and Alexander
• Native of Chicago, Illinois (attended Chicago Mt. Carmel HS)