The Illinois Coaching Staff

#51      
I want to be excited about the Illini beloved football team regaining traction......I really really want to be excited , BUT................................................

year after year after year etc has me numb to feeling we can overcome the multiple 63-0 losses, being embarassed time after time with the upsets we have over wisky being an anomoly instead of genuine hope that we can do it...

the BB hire and new staff has given me some enthusiasm about the future, BUT................................................................

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View attachment 7133 Please please please return hope to the Illini program....
We'll see what happens in 3 years as staff churn happens but we seemed to have assembled a good staff that will put together an attacking defense with a ball control offense. While we will have competition for these types of players with Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin I think our bar is so low even relative competence is going to allow us to generate hype. Illinois is a good school and we are only 3 years away from having something if this staff can recruit like they are starting to show they can.
 
#52      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
We'll see what happens in 3 years as staff churn happens but we seemed to have assembled a good staff that will put together an attacking defense with a ball control offense. While we will have competition for these types of players with Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin I think our bar is so low even relative competence is going to allow us to generate hype. Illinois is a good school and we are only 3 years away from having something if this staff can recruit like they are starting to show they can.
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#56      
Been a Illini fan since early 80's and for years it was facilities that had us behind the 8 ball..
It's time to wake that sleeping Giant we have all heard of and it feels like we have what it takes
With a little more talent to really get this thing rolling..
Like some of the others on here it took a sec to get used to it but I'm ecstatic LET'S GET IT!!
 
#58      

illini80

Forgottonia
It is strange to feel optimistic about the future of Illinois football.

It will take awhile to get used to it. But I am trying!
So true. It’s been easier not having any expectations. Not fun, but easier. I’m not over board just yet until we see some results on the field and a full recruiting class, but there is more reason to be optimistic than there has been since Zook was hired.

I believe we hired the right guy. It just has to all come together and it could be a great ride.
 
#61      

ChiefGritty

Chicago, IL
I'm just going to have to sit here and listen to ex-DE's who play all of their snaps with their hand on the ground being referred to as "linebackers" in a "3-4" aren't I?
 
#63      

ChiefGritty

Chicago, IL
TFW someone describes the ideal "defensive end" for their scheme and it's exactly what Tommie Harris used to do.


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#64      
So, a combination of saying I am happier than I thought I would be but we have been here before.

I was totally against hiring BB. But have come around a little.

I was really impressed with his interview. I also love the way he is building rapport with high schools and recruits. I am hoping to be able to say I was wrong about him. However, his personality and actions over the long term are the deciding factor.
The last two staff hires are what put me over the top to say very good staff.
My warning is despite what other people are saying we have been here before. We are always told great staff, we are in on 4 and 5 star recruits, and our coach is doing things the right way. I remember this for Lovie, Beckman, Zook, Turner.
I have no negatives towards what has been done so far. I think BB has done the best job of connecting with Illinois HS coaches of any of them. So, that is the first really positive move. I have no complaints. Hopefully it continues.👍
 
#65      
So, a combination of saying I am happier than I thought I would be but we have been here before.

I was totally against hiring BB. But have come around a little.

I was really impressed with his interview. I also love the way he is building rapport with high schools and recruits. I am hoping to be able to say I was wrong about him. However, his personality and actions over the long term are the deciding factor.
The last two staff hires are what put me over the top to say very good staff.
My warning is despite what other people are saying we have been here before. We are always told great staff, we are in on 4 and 5 star recruits, and our coach is doing things the right way. I remember this for Lovie, Beckman, Zook, Turner.
I have no negatives towards what has been done so far. I think BB has done the best job of connecting with Illinois HS coaches of any of them. So, that is the first really positive move. I have no complaints. Hopefully it continues.👍

I’m not so sure. We’ve been here before, but this staff is a real college staff. Admittedly, We’ve had smoke and mirrors. I think finally perhaps this is the real deal. Maybe I’m wrong. But I’m ready to get hurt again. I-L-L
 
#66      

Deleted member 186590

D
Guest
#67      
Having optimistic tendencies, I want to believe.

But I also can't help feeling a bit skeptical that so many people in here really would be able to accurately judge the quality of most of these hires. How many of us are basing our excitement on real knowledge, versus getting excited about the excitement of others? I'm definitely in the latter camp.
 
#68      
Having optimistic tendencies, I want to believe.

But I also can't help feeling a bit skeptical that so many people in here really would be able to accurately judge the quality of most of these hires. How many of us are basing our excitement on real knowledge, versus getting excited about the excitement of others? I'm definitely in the latter camp.
Gotta be Loyal To The Soil! But me too.
 
#69      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Having optimistic tendencies, I want to believe.

But I also can't help feeling a bit skeptical that so many people in here really would be able to accurately judge the quality of most of these hires. How many of us are basing our excitement on real knowledge, versus getting excited about the excitement of others? I'm definitely in the latter camp.
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new toys to judge and disagree about....It will wear off......................
 
#70      

Illinivek23

Gurnee
Listened to Jeremy's podcast and Kane sounds very well regarded - players not happy he is leaving. Really solid (or beyond) coaching depth on the D especially. I'm all in on the excitement. Hell - even work in Madison- and did not want to hear about BB being even a candidate, but this is off to a great start and I flipped early on BB. Now let's get rid of COVID and have some fun. Was an undergrad during the White years - what a blast that was.
 
#71      

altenberger22

South Carolina
So, a combination of saying I am happier than I thought I would be but we have been here before.

I was totally against hiring BB. But have come around a little.

I was really impressed with his interview. I also love the way he is building rapport with high schools and recruits. I am hoping to be able to say I was wrong about him. However, his personality and actions over the long term are the deciding factor.
The last two staff hires are what put me over the top to say very good staff.
My warning is despite what other people are saying we have been here before. We are always told great staff, we are in on 4 and 5 star recruits, and our coach is doing things the right way. I remember this for Lovie, Beckman, Zook, Turner.
I have no negatives towards what has been done so far. I think BB has done the best job of connecting with Illinois HS coaches of any of them. So, that is the first really positive move. I have no complaints. Hopefully it continues.👍
I don't recall any buzz surrounding the Tim Beckman hire. Even the Lovie Smith hire had its fair share of critics (perhaps 60/40 pro-Lovie).
 
#75      
I don't recall any buzz surrounding the Tim Beckman hire. Even the Lovie Smith hire had its fair share of critics (perhaps 60/40 pro-Lovie).
there was a lot of disappointment with the Beckham hire as he was really choice 4 or 5 after Thomas went after Sumlin , Butch Jones and Boise’s Petersen . And when Campbell didn’t come with , many saw that as a bad omen

The only buzz about Lovie was he was at one time a very successful NFL coach . Many were concerned with his lack of college coaching experience and expected him to get great assistants . his initial hires of the OC from Louisville (forget his name ) and Nickerson somewhat alleviated that concern . But we were also a bit concerned about Lovies laid back style working in the college game .

Bielema is the best “college” coach we have hired since White & Blackman . Of course there are no guarantees of future success , but we are at least in the best position for success since White was hired