New Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman had barely sat down in his chair before making his first major move at the school.
On Saturday morning, in Whitman's first official day as athletic director, Illinois announced that it had dismissed coach Bill Cubit.
"I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has been, unquestionably, a very tumultuous time," Whitman said. "He accepted the challenge on an interim basis under incredibly difficult and unusual circumstances, and he has continued to work diligently for the betterment of our student-athletes. Through his efforts, he has kept the program moving forward.