NFL veteran Byron Bell is in his second season as the assistant offensive line coach in 2025. Bell joined the Fighting Illini in 2024 from New Mexico, where he served as a graduate assistant for two seasons. 

Bell helped the Fighting Illini produce one of the program’s best offensive seasons in 2024, resulting in a 10-3 record, tying the program's single-season wins record, and a final ranking of #16 in the AP Top 25. J.C. Davis earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors at left tackle for the Illini, while Melvin Priestly was tabbed as Big Ten Honorable Mention honoree at right tackle. Center Josh Kreutz and left guard Josh Gesky each earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors, while Brandon Henderson took over at right guard midway through the season and bolstered the unit. Illinois capped the year with a victory over #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in one of the biggest bowl wins in program history, as the offensive line powered running back Josh McCray to 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns on his way to Citrus Bowl MVP honors.

Bell worked with New Mexico's offensive line in 2022 and 2023, handling practice planning, film breakdown, and on-the-field coaching. He also helped with statistical analysis and film preparation.

Bell was a standout player at New Mexico before enjoying an eight-year NFL career. He was a three-year letterman at New Mexico with 36 starts in 37 games played.

Bell earned New Mexico's Outstanding Lineman Award in 2010 before playing for Carolina, Tennessee, Dallas, and Green Bay during his NFL career. He played in 102 NFL games with 83 starts across eight seasons from 2011-18. 

After leaving New Mexico in 2010 following his junior season, Bell returned to New Mexico to finish his degree after his NFL career ended. He earned his degree in liberal arts in 2021, then became a graduate assistant for New Mexico. He earned his master's from New Mexico in physical education and curriculum instruction in 2023.

Bell is a native of Greenville, Texas.