1. I listened to ESPN radio and/or AM670 a lot when Boers and Bernstein was a morning show and Lovie Smith was the HC of the Bears. The media/coach relationship slowly evolved into one of disdain on both sides. The media, in efforts to compete with each other over headlines often times, would churn the proverbial muck concerning Bears coverage. Lovie found this to be mere garbage that affected his locker room and showed a real contempt for reporters towards the end. In turn, he was increasingly hammered by the media for both silly (his sideline demeanor/lack of enthusiasm) and legitimate (below average offenses/clock management) reasons. As a listener I took away the fact that what began as a growing lack of trust on both sides turned very personal in the last few years of his tenure. I would expect that Lovie would find C-U coverage reasonable even in the hard times. He will get much grief in Chicago, though.
2. I would take Lovie Smith because I believe it would help recruiting and that is what matters when trying to compete in the Big Ten. The man has a pedigree and gravitas which will drown naysayers in the press. He is wise enough to surround himself with competent coaches and he will run a clean program. Count me "all-in" with Lovie.
Love my Illini
