On Saturday morning, new Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman shocked Fighting Illini fans by firing head football coach Bill Cubit during his first official morning on the job. It was an usual move given the timing, but it quickly became apparent that Whitman already had someone lined up to fill the position.
According to multiple media reports, that man is Lovie Smith.
Lovie Smith is expected to become the new #Illinois HC, source told FOX Sports. 1st reported by CBS/Chicago: https://t.co/bsTXfTNJqM
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 5, 2016
Smith, 57, was fired a few months ago by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after compiling a two-year record of 8-24 with the organization.