It will be Lovie Smith. Heard two days ago Cubit would be fired and Lovie named coach. Didn't believe it then today Cubit was fired.
Lovie Smith Named Illinois Football Coach
- Status
If JW can pull that off it would be amazing!
There is a waiver process and it sounds like Whitman is pursuing that.
I'd be ok with that. Scheelhaase, Bellamy, and Hecklinski(sp), as the key recruiters :thumb:
I want to live in a world where this is possible but I'll believe it when I see it.
Lovie would be fantastic, granted I wasn't always his biggest fan as the Bears coach, but he actually has put up good results wherever he went. I was shocked he got fired from TB because they were clearly getting better as the season went along.
And it would create buzz for a team that is essentially a dead zone in the media/college football sphere at this point outside of some press for our coaches getting fired every week.
AND it doesn't make sense because we have been bad for like 7 years now.
We'll probably end up with some DC at a Division III school, but a man can dream.
Lovie would be fantastic, granted I wasn't always his biggest fan as the Bears coach, but he actually has put up good results wherever he went. I was shocked he got fired from TB because they were clearly getting better as the season went along.
And it would create buzz for a team that is essentially a dead zone in the media/college football sphere at this point outside of some press for our coaches getting fired every week.
AND it doesn't make sense because we have been bad for like 7 years now.
We'll probably end up with some DC at a Division III school, but a man can dream.
Illini Players/New Recruits: "You fired our coach in March and we found out about it on Twitter! What the heck, man? We're outraged and might just revolt!"
Whitman: "We're hiring Lovie Smith."
Illini Player/New Recruit: "Alright then. When's spring practice start?"
Whitman: "We're hiring Lovie Smith."
Illini Player/New Recruit: "Alright then. When's spring practice start?"
OrangeDeeLight
- Champaign Area
How long will it take to get an answer on this waiver...2 weeks?
Seriously, I have heard of this waiver before but I have never seen UI actually do it looking for ANY coaches.
How long will it take to get an answer on this waiver...2 weeks?
Seriously, I have heard of this waiver before but I have never seen UI actually do it looking for ANY coaches.
We've never hired a coach under these circumstances. And he is African-American.
It's happening guys.
If the lovie rumors are true... Wasn't phair an assistant for him previously. I love the idea of Frazier/Singletary but leaving the NFL for a college coordinator position may be a bigger pipe dream. Why am I letting myself believe this Lovie thing could be a reality?!?!
Interesting....
Stevegarbs
- Mokena, IL
Quote:
Dan Bernstein @dan_bernstein 38s38 seconds ago
One former NFL exec tells me Smith would be "Big name, bad hire" for #Illinois. "Clueless without really good people around him."
Figures Bernstein would find a way to rain on the Illini parade. :tsk:
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- North Aurora
I mean....I have to be ok with hiring Lovie.
I'm a no to Turner.
From Beckman to lovie.... based on our previous luck you have to be happy
Dan Bernstein @dan_bernstein 38s38 seconds ago
One former NFL exec tells me Smith would be "Big name, bad hire" for #Illinois. "Clueless without really good people around him."
Wrong. You go from Tim Beckman to Lovie Smith in one calendar year, that's a win no matter what happens. Just in terms of legitimizing a program that has become a national joke if nothing else.
One former NFL exec tells me Smith would be "Big name, bad hire" for #Illinois. "Clueless without really good people around him."
Wrong. You go from Tim Beckman to Lovie Smith in one calendar year, that's a win no matter what happens. Just in terms of legitimizing a program that has become a national joke if nothing else.
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
Bernstein can suck an egg.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
even if lovie came in and sucked it up he will have restored credibility and desirability to the position for the next coaching search
That's his version of him hearing the same sources.
Lovie Smith is trending on Twitter right now. It means nothing but it makes me chuckle.
former nfl exec. wonder if it's an ex bears exec with an axe to grind... bernstein is classic chicago sports media tool box who cares
Lucy727
- Des Plaines, Il
Seriously, why are you all so keen on Lovie Smith? His defensive scheme is passe, we have no idea if he can recruit and he is condescending in his dealings with the media. Not to mention that he has no clue how to hire an offensive coordinator.
It's been about 20 years since Lovie was a college coach. Lot of changes.
It's been about 20 years since Lovie was a college coach. Lot of changes.
Illinifan533
- Normal, Illinois
I'm still pessimistic that this whole Lovie story is true. It's just too good a reversal of fortune for U of I. :suspicious:
It gets even better!
ray:ray:ray:ray:
ray:ray:ray:ray:- Status