Report: Lovie Smith A Candidate For Illinois Head Coaching Position

Former NFL head coach Lovie Smith is reportedly a candidate to fill the open Illinois coaching position.

Illinois decided to part ways with head football coach Bill Cubit on Saturday morning. New Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced the decision to fire Cubit.

One name that has already surfaced as a candidate for the position is former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith. Smith was fired in January after just two season with the Buccaneers, where he posted an 8-24 overall record.

“Early in process and situation fluid but 2 NFL sources in past hour texted to say they’ve heard Lovie Smith will be candidate at Illinois,” David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune tweeted.

CBS 2 Chicago lead sportscaster Ryan Baker also tweeted, “Some credible sources are telling me Lovie Smith will be the next #Illini head football coach.”

Smith spent nine seasons as the head coach of the Bears, where he led the franchise to an 81-63 overall record, three first place finishes in the NFC North, and three playoff berths.

UPDATE: Jeremy Werner of IllinoisInquirer.com tweeted, “I know others are reporting it, but I now have multiple sources telling me Lovie Smith is expected to be the next #illini head coach.”

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Report: Lovie Smith A Candidate For Illinois Head Coaching Position

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