South Carolina assistant coach Jim Valek was hired as Elliott's replacement in 1967. Under Valek, the Illini compiled an 8–32 record, the worst of any Illini football head coach in decades. In 1967, the Illini compiled a 4–6 record and finished in a tie for fifth place in the Big Ten Conference. The team's offensive leaders were quarterback Dean Volkman with 1,005 passing yards, running back Rich Johnson with 768 rushing yards, and wide receiver John Wright with 698 receiving yards. End John K. Wright was selected as the team's most valuable player.