I think the entire board needs clarification on this point - Tilmon (along with the other 2017 recruits) signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Illinois, which binds him to at least 1 year with the team. The letter explicitly says, "I understand I have signed this NLI with the institution and not for a particular sport or coach. If a coach leaves the institution or the sports program (e.g., not retained, resigns), I remain bound by the provisions of this NLI."
If Groce leaves, WE ARE NOT GOING TO LOSE THESE RECRUITS. Moreover, Tilmon is likely a 1-and-done anyway, so worrying about him jumping ship after a year is nonsensical.
This sentiment of "let's keep him around and see what he can do with his recruits," after getting a 3.5 year dose of what that looks like, is bananas. The last time we had a coach perform under .500, we fired him (even after he showed promise of recruiting the Chicago area)..and brought in Lou Henson.
We need a complete overhaul - Ford, Parnham, Walker - all of them. If we want to compete for B1G championships again, we need championship-caliber talent at the helm, not middle-of-the-pack-MAC.
If Groce is fired, the recruits can ask for (and receive) a release from this NLOI.
Most likely Whitman will ask them to wait until they meet with the new coach before granting the release.