I realized while contemplating FB/MBB/WBB roster turnovers and depth charts, that we've already arrived at the place which seemed so impossibly far away when Lovie got fired; regular post-season relevance. The sense of despair I felt when it became clear Lovie hadn't done the work is not a feeling I would wish on any fan base*. The discussions around roster building, and success attracting transfers, and of successfully bringing in immediate-impact transfers are all clear evidence that these coaching staffs have already figured out how to compete in this new environment. The fact that I was disappointed by post season performance in all of the big three sports reminds me of what a blessing it is to have teams in the post season.
I was in grad school when Josh was a player, and I can remember seeing him interviewed on the field after a game and thinking "that kid will go far." I'm so glad his dream job was to be the Illini AD, and that the hiring committee had the guts to hire him. It sure seems like he has the department showing real progress, with a growing sense that Illinois is a destination, and we may enjoy the stability that comes with it. It's a good time to be an Illini.
*Aside from those in the SEC, and ND, UNC, Louisville...okay this may take another thread.
I was in grad school when Josh was a player, and I can remember seeing him interviewed on the field after a game and thinking "that kid will go far." I'm so glad his dream job was to be the Illini AD, and that the hiring committee had the guts to hire him. It sure seems like he has the department showing real progress, with a growing sense that Illinois is a destination, and we may enjoy the stability that comes with it. It's a good time to be an Illini.
*Aside from those in the SEC, and ND, UNC, Louisville...okay this may take another thread.