COLLINSVILLE — John Blaylock on Tuesday night was hired as the new Collinsville High School football coach.

Blaylock has been the defensive coordinator for the last six years under Mike Liljgren, who was dismissed as coach Nov. 20. Blaylock, a graduate of Collinsville, has been in the program for 20 years.

"Coach Blaylock knows the Kahok football program inside and out and has been a member of the staff during the ups and the downs, which gives him great insight to move the football program to a more competitive level," Collinsville Athletic Director Chris Kusnerick said. "We are looking forward to working with and providing all the necessary support Coach Blaylock will need to accomplish this goal."

Liljegren was head coach for 10 years and compiled a 19-72 record, including 14-54 in the Southwestern Conference. Collinsville went to the playoffs in 2010, losing to Danville 50-21 in the first round in Class 6A. The Kahoks finished 5-5 that season.

Collinsville was 1-8 last year and hasn't had back-to-back winning seasons since 1971-72.