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Reports: Lovie Smith expected to be named next Illinois coach
By Andie Hagemann NFL.com
Published: March 5, 2016 at 12:59 p.m.
Updated: March 5, 2016 at 06:28 p.m.
According to FOX Sports, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears coach is expected to take over as the new head football coach at Illinois. Ryan Baker of WBBM-TV first reported the development.
Illinois is looking for a new coach after firing coach Bill Cubit on Saturday, university athletic director Josh Whitman announced in a statement.
Smith is in the coaching market after he was fired by the Buccaneers in January on the heels of an 8-24 record over two seasons with the Bucs. He coached the Bears from 2004-12.
Cubit's firing was made on the first official day of Whitman's tenure as athletic director.
"I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has been, unquestionably, a very tumultuous time," Whitman said per the university's official site. "He accepted the challenge on an interim basis under incredibly difficult and unusual circumstances, and he has continued to work diligently for the betterment of our student-athletes.
"Through his efforts, he has kept the program moving forward. Bill is a good man and a good football coach. All of us in the Illini Nation owe him a debt of gratitude for his work leading our team these last months. At this juncture, however, I think it is most important that we position our program for long-term success by creating a more stable environment for the coaches, players, and prospective student-athletes."
Cubit was named interim coach last August following the termination of Tim Beckman, by then-athletic director Mike Thomas. Beckman's dismissal was due to an investigation launched by the university relating to injury reporting and student-athlete medical treatment.
During his stint as the interim head coach, Cubit led the Fighting Illini to a 5-7 overall record and a 2-6 conference mark. Cubit's interim tag was removed on Nov. 29, when the university signed him to a two-year deal. Ryan Cubit, who was named offensive coordinator in December, has also been relieved of his duties. The remaining assistant coaches will have the opportunity to interview with the new head coach.
Due to the timing of the decision, spring football practice -- which was slated to commence Friday -- will be delayed until a head coaching hire has been made. A decision is expected to be made soon in regard to the Spring Game, which is scheduled for April 16.
By Andie Hagemann NFL.com
Published: March 5, 2016 at 12:59 p.m.
Updated: March 5, 2016 at 06:28 p.m.
According to FOX Sports, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears coach is expected to take over as the new head football coach at Illinois. Ryan Baker of WBBM-TV first reported the development.
Illinois is looking for a new coach after firing coach Bill Cubit on Saturday, university athletic director Josh Whitman announced in a statement.
Smith is in the coaching market after he was fired by the Buccaneers in January on the heels of an 8-24 record over two seasons with the Bucs. He coached the Bears from 2004-12.
Cubit's firing was made on the first official day of Whitman's tenure as athletic director.
"I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has been, unquestionably, a very tumultuous time," Whitman said per the university's official site. "He accepted the challenge on an interim basis under incredibly difficult and unusual circumstances, and he has continued to work diligently for the betterment of our student-athletes.
"Through his efforts, he has kept the program moving forward. Bill is a good man and a good football coach. All of us in the Illini Nation owe him a debt of gratitude for his work leading our team these last months. At this juncture, however, I think it is most important that we position our program for long-term success by creating a more stable environment for the coaches, players, and prospective student-athletes."
Cubit was named interim coach last August following the termination of Tim Beckman, by then-athletic director Mike Thomas. Beckman's dismissal was due to an investigation launched by the university relating to injury reporting and student-athlete medical treatment.
During his stint as the interim head coach, Cubit led the Fighting Illini to a 5-7 overall record and a 2-6 conference mark. Cubit's interim tag was removed on Nov. 29, when the university signed him to a two-year deal. Ryan Cubit, who was named offensive coordinator in December, has also been relieved of his duties. The remaining assistant coaches will have the opportunity to interview with the new head coach.
Due to the timing of the decision, spring football practice -- which was slated to commence Friday -- will be delayed until a head coaching hire has been made. A decision is expected to be made soon in regard to the Spring Game, which is scheduled for April 16.