Garrick McGee had opportunities to leave Louisville last season but turned them down.
This time, he could not pass up Illinois and good friend Lovie Smith, taking the same role he had with the Cards as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.
And now, Bobby Petrino faces a crucial hire at a crucial time.
While it is true there never is a good time to lose an assistant, Louisville is less than two weeks from opening spring practice, with an offense that showed the potential to make gigantic leaps when we last saw them play.