The News-Gazette · Apr 12, 2016
Tate: Early returns give Lovie a good look
“It’s really him. It gives us an advantage to have Lovie Smith as head coach.”
— UI football assistant coach Garrick McGee
It is barely more than one month since Smith signed a shocking six-year, $21 million deal to coach Illini football.
The initial perception was that Illinois landed an NFL coach with otherworldly NFL ideas, disliked by some members of the Chicago media, and given to brief responses after Bears losses.
Was Illinois taking on a grumbling Bill Belichick type, who would hold secretive practices and clam up at the sight of reporters?
No. The reality is different. He couldn’t be more open. He seems to enjoy the interchanges.
Open atmosphere