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Mississippi State Reportedly Hires Former Illinois Wide Receiver Coach Mike Bellamy

Dan Mullen has apparently brought in a new assistant coach to potentially help boost recruiting and help with the receivers.

By EthanLee
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn't expected that Dan Mullen would add another member to his coaching staff this close to the season and it hasn't been officially announced just yet, but as The Champaign Room reports, it looks like Mullen has done just that.

Mike Bellamy was one of the few bright spots for the Fighting Illini during the Tim Beckman era. Not much went right for them during that time, but Bellamy was a key recruiter for them and helped develop their receivers to be some of the most productive receivers in school history.

From the official Illinois profile for him:

Under Bellamy’s guidance, freshman receiver Mike Dudek burst onto the scene in 2014, as the newcomer posted a team-high 76 catches with six touchdowns and 1,038 yards, which broke Arrelious Benn’s school record for receiving yards by a freshman (676 in 2007). He was named second-team All-Big Ten, first-team Freshman All-America by Scout.com and first-team True-Freshman All-America by ESPN.com and 247sports.

As a recruiter, he was responsible from earning commitments from five receivers, including the aforementioned Mike Dudek. He also helped bring in a variety of other 3 star recruits in his time at Illinois.

Although it is unlikely that Bellamy will take Billy Gonzales' as the receivers coach here in Starkville, it is possible that Bellamy will be a valuable part of the support staff and should anymore coaching staff shakeups happen in the nearby future, Bellamy might wind up with a job on the sideline.

Bellamy also has NFL playing experience, spending 4 years in the league as a receiver after being drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990. Bellamy also played in the World Football League and won a title with the Frankfurt Galaxy in 1996.

Once this is officially confirmed by the university, we will share their statement.

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