CHAMPAIGN — Some families gravitate toward law enforcement. Some become teachers. And others favor sales.
For the Smiths of West Virginia, there is one career path: coaching.
From a very young age, it's what new Illinois offensive coordinator Rod Smith knew he was destined to do.
His dad, Gary, is a longtime, successful high school coach. He has worked 30-plus years and is still going strong. Rod's brother-in-law also went into the family business.
And his uncles were coaches, too.
"He would be out there with us on the ballfield at practices," Gary said.