The University of Illinois just made it official -- Lovie Smith has been hired as the next head football coach of the Fighting Illini. The announcement comes just two days after former coach Bill Cubit was dismissed by new Athletic Director Josh Whitman.
Smith, 57, was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January after compiling an overall record of 8-24 in two seasons with the franchise. However, Smith's second year saw the team's win total increase from 2 to 6 despite starting rookie Jameis Winston at quarterback.
Lovie Smith can bring Illinois back to relevancy
