When the news of Illinois’ surprise interest in Lovie Smith broke over the weekend, many questioned why Smith would return to the college ranks for a perennial Big Ten bottom feeder.
He certainly does not need the money.
Smith’s final two contracts in Chicago paid him handsomely, and the Bucs, who fired Smith in January, were still on the hook for over $10 million.
Why not just collect a check and enjoy the Tampa warm weather?