URBANA — Lovie Smith never had to coach against Gill Byrd the player. Byrd's 10-year NFL run ended before Smith became a pro assistant in 1996.
But their paths eventually crossed in the NFL, with Byrd working with Smith for the Rams, Bears and Bucs.
When Smith had the chance to bring Byrd to Illinois, he jumped at it.
"Gill is as good a man as I've been around, on and off the football field," Smith said. "He's passionate about what he does. Developing men, he's outstanding with that. It helps when your name is up in the San Diego Chargers stadium.