Amid the team’s offensive struggles, Eastern Illinois head coach Adam Cushing has let five offensive coaches go, according to an EIU source. (Photo by Barry Bottino, Prairie State Pigskin)

Changes to the Eastern Illinois offense were certain to come after the Panthers ranked 116th in the nation in scoring this fall among 123 FCS teams.

Those changes now include five offensive coaches being let go by head coach Adam Cushing, according to an EIU athletics source.

No longer on staff are offensive coordinator/super backs coach John Kuceyeski, quarterbacks coach Chris Batti, offensive line coach Dan Hernandez, wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Mark Philmore II and running backs/co-special teams coach Omar Young.

On Saturday morning, the five coaches were no longer listed on the team’s website.

A day earlier, they were still among the staff members that appeared on the team’s online roster page.

In Cushing’s three seasons as head coach, the Panthers are 3-26.

Despite an improving defense over Cushing’s tenure, the offense has lagged behind. Eastern scored 14.5 points a game this season, ranking 111th nationally in rushing offense per game (92.2 yards) and 111th in turnovers lost (23).

Three different quarterbacks started games this fall for Eastern – Otto Kuhns, Chris Katrenick and Zach Weir. The trio combined for eight passing touchdowns and 17 interceptions while completing less than 48% of their passes.

The Panthers also struggled with injuries as Kuhns, second-leading rusher Jaelin Benefield, leading receiver Isaiah Hill and others missed time. Super back Jay Vallie, the Panthers’ leading receiver during the spring FCS season, missed the entire fall because of injury.

Kuhns is among several offensive players who entered the transfer portal in recent weeks. Also seeking transfer opportunities are starting offensive tackle Bryson Broadway and Arron Foulkes, the team’s second-leading wide receiver.

Cushing was not available for comment.