BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - With spring ball on the horizon, Illinois Wesleyan University football coach Jared Williamson added to his full-time staff with the additions of Eli Kosanovich and Zavier Cordero-Barnes Monday, Feb. 3. Kosanovich will serve as the program's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, while Barnes will work with defensive backs.

Kosanovich and Barnes join Williamson's staff alongside Mike Murray (defensive coordinator), Tom Flood, Tyler Holte, Rich Baldwin, Dayne Llamas, and Andres Mestre.

Coming from RPI, where he served as the Engineers' Director of Operations and Offensive Line Coach, Kosanovich is no stranger to the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. He joined RPI prior to the 2021 season and spent the 2020 campaign on staff at Division II University of Indianapolis. 

"Eli has been part of successful college football programs both as a player and a coach, bringing extensive recruiting experience at the Division III level," Williamson said. "His deep ties to high school programs in the state, combined with his familiarity with the CCIW, make him a perfect fit for our staff. We're excited to welcome him home to Illinois."

A native of Elmhurst, Ill., he spent one year at Muskingum after getting his coaching career started with a two-year run at Elmhurst. Kosanovich worked with the Bluejays' offensive line and tight ends during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. 

A graduate of North Central College, he was an offensive lineman on the Cardinals' 2016 CCIW Championship squad. He earned his bachelor's degree in sport management from NCC.

Cordero-Barnes reunites with Murray and his former college coach Williamson as he comes to Bloomington after a two-year stint as a graduate assistant at Elmhurst. There, Barnes coached the linebackers.

"Zavier's playing career gives him instant credibility with our players, both in the weight room and on the field as a coach," Williamson added. "His relentless work ethic and deep understanding of our system, which he has been a part of for several years, will allow him to continue growing and making a strong impact on our program."

Prior to working under Murray with the Bluejays, Cordero-Barnes was a three-year captain at Roosevelt University. A two-time all-conference pick, he was named an All-American at middle linebacker in 2022. He was a two-time team defensive MVP and helped establish the program's winning culture as the team posted a 20-8 record during his three years as a Laker.

Cordero-Barnes graduated from Roosevelt with a degree in business management in 2022. 

The 2025 season will mark the first under the direction of Williamson, who was named head coach of the Titans, Jan. 2. The new era will begin at Tucci Stadium Saturday, Sept. 6, against Central College (Iowa), while spring ball is scheduled to begin next month.