Illinois opening up the check book

[jlb321_rivals110621]

You’ve got to solidify your coach before other programs and the NFL come calling

 

[Maui2022]

This is comical, as I am sure you intended

 

[Ewooc]

What do they see in him? Is it just the name recognition? It obvious isn't based on results. If hasn't turned the corner by year 3, I don't see it happening.

 

[otismotis08]

Good for them. Let's keep Santa in the B1G.

 

[HuskerLove]

His team was really young this year, but they showed flashes of having legit talent.

My guess is their administration sees what he’s building.

 

[TFrazier_rivals269992]

 

[mt_slothmore]

Maybe they just recognize that a revolving door of coaches isn’t any more beneficial than firing him...realistically, who’s Illinois gonna bring in if they blow it up and start over?

 

[Truehuskerfan]

I understand the idea of not wanting to get into the revolving door of coaches, and giving somebody time to build something, but at some point, you have to start showing results. It kind of reminds me of Kansas and Dave Beaty last year. They were showing confidence in him and giving every indication that he was their man, but after he didn't really show much improvement this year(his 4th season), he was let go. Next year will be Lovie Smith's 4th year at Illinois, and I can't see them keeping him around much longer if he doesn't start showing some real improvement(like making a bowl).