Coaching Carousel (Football)

[Mr. Roberts]

Lol...A fun review of a few celeb encounters over the years!?

Jim Brown....on my flight ORD-CLE...I saw him with his handler in the gate area and approached them to ask if he'd like to board early so he doesn't have to stand in the gate area. Coordinated with the gate agent and escorted him down the jet bridge. Very...very.... cool moment...very gracious and chatted about all the great RB's. Legend.

Steve Garvey....a little full of himself but serious forearms confirmed.

Eva Longoria...hoodie pulled over face didn't interact with anyone.

Speaker Paul Ryan....freaked me out in AUS when 3 black SUV's pull up to the plane and armed dudes come on the plane to search/inform us. He came on with his family was super nice and sat in economy with his wife and kids. Interacted with everyone.

Rev Jesse Jackson...boarded early with his handler...forward flight attendant was a brand new young black female who wanted a picture with him. He obliged, put his arm around her...and his hand dropped straight to her butt. I'll never forget her eyes/expression looking right at me like "OMFG WHAT DO I DO?"
Maybe he was blessing her behind?

Kate Upton...hilariously the flight attendants failed to notify me, and the final passenger report had her name changed (many celebs do this travelling publicly)
so I was unaware of her being on board until she walked off the plane in IAH. I immediately "fired" the flight attendant for not telling me...and I now jokingly include "required supermodel notification" during my pre flight briefings....

Rick Barnes....great guy...got a selfie since my (late) brother was a huge Vols fan

Mike Wolfe from American Pickers....just a very quick hello

Also Danielle from same show...she was very cool and chatted about show.

Several others with no interaction as well as just spotted at airports errrwhere here and there.

Two humorous ones I have had:

Sat next to Senator/movie actor Fred Thompson on a flight once (in coach!). Nice guy - chatted a bit, mostly I was impressed that he worked the whole trip. Near the end, he asked to borrow a news mag I had been reading. When I said "Keep it Senator, I'm finished with it", at the word senator the flight attendant's eyes got real big and her jaw dropped as she realized who had been on her flight.

In Vegas, at the Riviera, I rode an elevator once with Larry Holmes and his wife. It was 9:00 AM, Holmes was in a tux, and his wife henpecked the poor guy all the way down about how stupid it was that HBO had him in a tux, how he looked like and idiot, etc. When the doors opened, the heavyweight champion of the world looked down at little 5'8" me and sheepishly smiled and shrugged.

 

[DeonThomas]

I met Roger Waters in the elevator at the Ritz Carlton in Osaka.

I just said hello. He said hello and that was that. I think he was relieved that I did not start asking him questions about which one was Pink, etc.

Mick Fleetwood at the bar at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia.......very, very tall.

 

[DeonThomas]

Aaron Henry and Tim Banks (now at TEN) as candidates for the Clemson DC position?

 

[skyIdub]

Two humorous ones I have had:

Sat next to Senator/movie actor Fred Thompson on a flight once (in coach!). Nice guy - chatted a bit, mostly I was impressed that he worked the whole trip. Near the end, he asked to borrow a news mag I had been reading. When I said "Keep it Senator, I'm finished with it", at the word senator the flight attendant's eyes got real big and her jaw dropped as she realized who had been on her flight.

 

[DReq]

We'd be nuts not to give Bret a nice bump on his contract. The News-Gazette has a nice article today about football coach compensation in the B1G and they report that Bret is 11th in the conference in total pay for the coming year. That ties him with Fleck. We expect and are getting better results that that so he should be expecting a nice raise. That report says his total guaranteed compensation for the 2025 year is $6.8 million. Plenty of incentives to boost that but he should be higher in the conference in my opinion.

 

[OrangeBlue98]

We'd be nuts not to give Bret a nice bump on his contract. The News-Gazette has a nice article today about football coach compensation in the B1G and they report that Bret is 11th in the conference in total pay for the coming year. That ties him with Fleck. We expect and are getting better results that that so he should be expecting a nice raise. That report says his total guaranteed compensation for the 2025 year is $6.8 million. Plenty of incentives to boost that but he should be higher in the conference in my opinion.

While I do agree with this and think some sort of raise should happen, I'm hoping we can also get a nice bump in assistant's salaries. It seems like staff continuity is an issue at programs like Illinois. I get it - sometimes staff members are going to get promotions and/or raises that you just can't counter. But I'd like to minimize that this year if at all possible given how important next year is for really establishing this program as a sustainably competitive one.

 

[SuperintendentChalmers]

Two humorous ones I have had:

Sat next to Senator/movie actor Fred Thompson on a flight once (in coach!). Nice guy - chatted a bit, mostly I was impressed that he worked the whole trip. Near the end, he asked to borrow a news mag I had been reading. When I said "Keep it Senator, I'm finished with it", at the word senator the flight attendant's eyes got real big and her jaw dropped as she realized who had been on her flight.

In Vegas, at the Riviera, I rode an elevator once with Larry Holmes and his wife. It was 9:00 AM, Holmes was in a tux, and his wife henpecked the poor guy all the way down about how stupid it was that HBO had him in a tux, how he looked like and idiot, etc. When the doors opened, the heavyweight champion of the world looked down at little 5'8" me and sheepishly smiled and shrugged.

Larry Holmes's regular guy-ness is the stuff of legends in Easton, PA. A New York Times article once described Mrs. Holmes as "a petite woman with a big voice."

 

[DReq]

While I do agree with this and think some sort of raise should happen, I'm hoping we can also get a nice bump in assistant's salaries. It seems like staff continuity is an issue at programs like Illinois. I get it - sometimes staff members are going to get promotions and/or raises that you just can't counter. But I'd like to minimize that this year if at all possible given how important next year is for really establishing this program as a sustainably competitive one.

I tend to agree that assistants need more also but this article had nothing on that and I am not knowledgeable about those salaries. I am guessing that we need to increase everyone we want to keep on a regular basis to get to the level we aspire to. I am sure there are several on here who have more information on those salaries. Your point is well taken though.

 

[GrayGhost77]

Lol...A fun review of a few celeb encounters over the years!?

Jim Brown....on my flight ORD-CLE...I saw him with his handler in the gate area and approached them to ask if he'd like to board early so he doesn't have to stand in the gate area. Coordinated with the gate agent and escorted him down the jet bridge. Very...very.... cool moment...very gracious and chatted about all the great RB's. Legend.

Steve Garvey....a little full of himself but serious forearms confirmed.

Eva Longoria...hoodie pulled over face didn't interact with anyone.

Speaker Paul Ryan....freaked me out in AUS when 3 black SUV's pull up to the plane and armed dudes come on the plane to search/inform us. He came on with his family was super nice and sat in economy with his wife and kids. Interacted with everyone.

Rev Jesse Jackson...boarded early with his handler...forward flight attendant was a brand new young black female who wanted a picture with him. He obliged, put his arm around her...and his hand dropped straight to her butt. I'll never forget her eyes/expression looking right at me like "OMFG WHAT DO I DO?"
Maybe he was blessing her behind?

Kate Upton...hilariously the flight attendants failed to notify me, and the final passenger report had her name changed (many celebs do this travelling publicly)
so I was unaware of her being on board until she walked off the plane in IAH. I immediately "fired" the flight attendant for not telling me...and I now jokingly include "required supermodel notification" during my pre flight briefings....

Rick Barnes....great guy...got a selfie since my (late) brother was a huge Vols fan

Mike Wolfe from American Pickers....just a very quick hello

Also Danielle from same show...she was very cool and chatted about show.

Several others with no interaction as well as just spotted at airports errrwhere here and there.

Nice. Especially the Kate Upton one.

For me:

Bruce Weber - was next to him at the salad bar at The Ribeye in Champaign. This was in 2005, so right after we made the NC game. I just told him keep up the great work and how much I enjoyed their run that season.

Bill Self - Peed next to him at 02 Main (before it was Guido's). This was literally DAYS before he announced he was leaving for the Kansas job.

Roger Ebert - Twice. Once was back in like 1999 walking just outside the UI Bookstore on Wright Street and again when I was working for the City of Urbana we did a plaque dedication for his childhood home and he attended with his wife. He was in a wheelchair then and sadly could no longer speak without electronic assistance.

John Cusack - He was hanging out at the Ditka's Restaurant at the bar (the one near the Mag Mile).

Terrell Davis - He did a motivational speaking gig at a big event I was at and I got to talk to him a bit. Really nice guy.

50 Cent - met him at the Arnold Classic in about 2008. He had a big entourage.

David Bautista - spotted at a beach north of San Diego. Had his shirt off. He is a beast.

Sylvester Stallone - Also at the Arnold Classic. He watching the Olympic weightlifting competition which I thought was cool.

Lou Ferrigno - Once again at the Arnold Classic, he was signing autographs and I got to talk to him shortly. Cool dude and still ripped for being as old as he is now.

Arnold Schwartzenegger - Ran into him twice, once at the Arnold Classic (of course), and once when he was governor of California outside the capitol building in Sacramento.

Jeremy Roenick - At the Portillo's in Scottsdale, AZ. He was sitting just one table over from my friends and I.

 

[BrimfieldBomber]

Aaron Henry and Tim Banks (now at TEN) as candidates for the Clemson DC position?

I'm not up to speed much on what AH's long term desires are, but figured he has always articulated how much he appreciates his relationship with Bret and the opportunities he has been given. Certainly can't speak for what he wants, but I think he will have a ton more relief on expectations @ ILL then somewhere like Clemson, even though the ACC is garbage lately.

 

[Illinifun]

It'll be right at 8 million from what I understand ... Plus money for 2 vehicles ... Plus incentives ...

He'll be very well compensated... This is a legacy job for Bret ... He wants to be here ... Plus Jen is happy, the girls are happy and I don't expect him to even think about going anywhere unless Josh leaves honestly ...

Jen being happy is huge in my mind...Happy wife Happy Life.

 

[the juiceman cometh]

I'm not up to speed much on what AH's long term desires are, but figured he has always articulated how much he appreciates his relationship with Bret and the opportunities he has been given. Certainly can't speak for what he wants, but I think he will have a ton more relief on expectations @ ILL then somewhere like Clemson, even though the ACC is garbage lately.

Clemson is likely a much more stressful job than what he has now.

However, I imagine they would pay him a ton if they really wanted him. At that point, it's a question of priorities.

 

[skyIdub]

Nice. Especially the Kate Upton one.

For me:

Bruce Weber - was next to him at the salad bar at The Ribeye in Champaign. This was in 2005, so right after we made the NC game. I just told him keep up the great work and how much I enjoyed their run that season.

Bill Self - Peed next to him at 02 Main (before it was Guido's). This was literally DAYS before he announced he was leaving for the Kansas job.

Lol...my fun Champaign(Savoy) encounter was Mr. Miyagi, Pat Morita at the Senators Inn bar one night! Really weird...he was smashed!

 

[89illini]

Staying at the Disney Dolphin Hotel during All-Star week in 1992. Pippen, Rodman, Dumars, Isaiah, Barkley, Ewing, Magic, Malone, a less athletic Larry Bird. Saw Barkley hustling at pool, Barkley's toddler fall out of a high chair at a restaurant table next to us. Michael Jackson enjoying ice cream with some little kids in the ice cream parlor. My daughter was a huge Pistons fan and just wanted to hang out in the lobby.

 

[purcy51]

1993 while in college, I met my parents and then-girlfriend in Indianapolis at a small, family-owned Italian joint about 5 blocks or so from the Hoosier Dome. In walks Ted Marchibroda & his wife. They ended up at the table right next to us. We exchanged pleasantries and wished him well & chatted for a bit. Very nice couple. They finished up and left before us...and he picked up our tab.

 

[IlliniKat91]

Lol...A fun review of a few celeb encounters over the years!?

Jim Brown....on my flight ORD-CLE...I saw him with his handler in the gate area and approached them to ask if he'd like to board early so he doesn't have to stand in the gate area. Coordinated with the gate agent and escorted him down the jet bridge. Very...very.... cool moment...very gracious and chatted about all the great RB's. Legend.

Steve Garvey....a little full of himself but serious forearms confirmed.

Eva Longoria...hoodie pulled over face didn't interact with anyone.

Speaker Paul Ryan....freaked me out in AUS when 3 black SUV's pull up to the plane and armed dudes come on the plane to search/inform us. He came on with his family was super nice and sat in economy with his wife and kids. Interacted with everyone.

Rev Jesse Jackson...boarded early with his handler...forward flight attendant was a brand new young black female who wanted a picture with him. He obliged, put his arm around her...and his hand dropped straight to her butt. I'll never forget her eyes/expression looking right at me like "OMFG WHAT DO I DO?"
Maybe he was blessing her behind?

Kate Upton...hilariously the flight attendants failed to notify me, and the final passenger report had her name changed (many celebs do this travelling publicly)
so I was unaware of her being on board until she walked off the plane in IAH. I immediately "fired" the flight attendant for not telling me...and I now jokingly include "required supermodel notification" during my pre flight briefings....

Rick Barnes....great guy...got a selfie since my (late) brother was a huge Vols fan

Mike Wolfe from American Pickers....just a very quick hello

Also Danielle from same show...she was very cool and chatted about show.

Several others with no interaction as well as just spotted at airports errrwhere here and there.

When I was a kid, I met Walter Payton at one of his son's high school football games when they played the school my dad worked at. It took me the entire JV game to work up the nerve to go ask for his autograph. He'd been signing the entire time and just wanted to watch his son, so he very gently declined. I was disappointed and went back to the press box where my pops was. Sweetness was kind enough to sign some balls for the school to raffle off for a fundraiser (despite his son playing against us!), and came up to the press box to sign them. He recognized me hiding behind my dad and signed the scrap of paper I had. Truly one of the nicest guys. RIP.

My most Chicago moment was coming out of a Ditka 5K at Soldier Field. I was walking out with some of the other finishers, and a little girl walking ahead of me spotted Coach himself walking to the post-race party. She shouted out, "It's Ditka!" and he got rushed. He was kind enough to take photos with all of us until the race organizers moved him along. Still one of my favorite photos.

 

[ktal]

Well since Pru is back and there's stories about flying, I had the pleasure of flying several of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in their costumes to a series of stops in a USO tour. They were all very nice, VERY closely chaperoned, and tiny. Very well received at each stop.

 

[Illinichaz]

1993 while in college, I met my parents and then-girlfriend in Indianapolis at a small, family-owned Italian joint about 5 blocks or so from the Hoosier Dome. In walks Ted Marchibroda & his wife. They ended up at the table right next to us. We exchanged pleasantries and wished him well & chatted for a bit. Very nice couple. They finished up and left before us...and he picked up our tab.

Iaria's? That place was sports celebrity packed in the 80s and 90s.

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

When I was a kid, I met Walter Payton at one of his son's high school football games when they played the school my dad worked at. It took me the entire JV game to work up the nerve to go ask for his autograph. He'd been signing the entire time and just wanted to watch his son, so he very gently declined. I was disappointed and went back to the press box where my pops was. Sweetness was kind enough to sign some balls for the school to raffle off for a fundraiser (despite his son playing against us!), and came up to the press box to sign them. He recognized me hiding behind my dad and signed the scrap of paper I had. Truly one of the nicest guys. RIP.

My most Chicago moment was coming out of a Ditka 5K at Soldier Field. I was walking out with some of the other finishers, and a little girl walking ahead of me spotted Coach himself walking to the post-race party. She shouted out, "It's Ditka!" and he got rushed. He was kind enough to take photos with all of us until the race organizers moved him along. Still one of my favorite photos.

I’ve run into Ditka a few times actually , between 1986-2006. boy , my hip hurt just watching him walk . ugh

 

[Ander1345]

Once walked right by Nathan Fillion as he was taking a break from signing stuff at a Con. Said hello and seemed super chill.

Also randomly hung out with the band the Griswolds for a minute after we ran into them during a bathroom break at a Walk the Moon show(they were the openers). That's literally the extent of my celeb interactions jdk how ya'll run into em so much.

 

[purcy51]

Iaria's? That place was sports celebrity packed in the 80s and 90s.

That's the one!

 

[Boricua Illini]

To be fair, that’s why I said “IF I liked their work.” If it was Lovie, I’d probably just let him sit in peace.

I know I’m in the minority, but I believe Lovie Smith deserves more credit for his time at Illinois. While his tenure didn’t deliver sustained success and Bret Bielema has been a clear upgrade, Lovie helped stabilize a program that was in disarray after the Beckman era.

Lovie brought professionalism and integrity, cleaned up the program’s culture, and recruited key players like Isaiah Williams and Sydney Brown, who developed under his watch and are now thriving in the NFL. The 2019 season—including the unforgettable comeback against Wisconsin—was a reminder of what Illinois football could be.

While things didn’t pan out in the long run, Lovie’s work helped lay the foundation for Bielema to build on. For that, I’m grateful. Progress isn’t always linear, but Lovie’s tenure was an important step forward. JMHO.

 

[spotter]

I know I’m in the minority, but I believe Lovie Smith deserves more credit for his time at Illinois. While his tenure didn’t deliver sustained success and Bret Bielema has been a clear upgrade, Lovie helped stabilize a program that was in disarray after the Beckman era.

Lovie brought professionalism and integrity, cleaned up the program’s culture, and recruited key players like Isaiah Williams and Sydney Brown, who developed under his watch and are now thriving in the NFL. The 2019 season—including the unforgettable comeback against Wisconsin—was a reminder of what Illinois football could be.

While things didn’t pan out in the long run, Lovie’s work helped lay the foundation for Bielema to build on. For that, I’m grateful. Progress isn’t always linear, but Lovie’s tenure was an important step forward. JMHO.

This.

 

[DevILLDawg]

It'll be right at 8 million from what I understand ... Plus money for 2 vehicles ... Plus incentives ...

He'll be very well compensated... This is a legacy job for Bret ... He wants to be here ... Plus Jen is happy, the girls are happy and I don't expect him to even think about going anywhere unless Josh leaves honestly ...

Can he negotiate into his contract that the war chant be reinstated?

 

[Dkayak]

Lovie brought professionalism and integrity, cleaned up the program’s culture,

He also introduced nepotism, a violation of State law and the beginning of a possible stain on the program’s culture. Hire only the best please. Be a role model by avoiding even the appearance of corruption. Nepotism is unprofessional and the opposite of integrity. Look the damage to Iowa’s performance and reputation when daddy refused to fire his son, another reason you never hire family. It makes dealing with poor performance difficult.