Of course, Lovie Smith is the new Illinois defensive coordinator. What did you think was going to happen?
The Illinois head coach did double-duty during the 2018 season, serving as his own defensive coordinator after Hardy Nickerson's resignation.
"I loved it an awful lot," Smith said. "I feel pretty comfortable in that position."
I suppose, Smith could have given the job to someone else. But why?
With Smith serving as his own defensive coordinator, he has in essence cut out the middleman. No reason to explain to someone else what he wants/expects. Smith will simply do it himself.