Lovie Smith’s time at Illinois has reportedly come to an end.
According to multiple reports, Smith is out as the head coach of the Fighting Illini. He went 17-39 during five seasons at Illinois.
Hearing the Lovie Smith era is over at #Illinois. Could be an announcement soon.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 13, 2020
Lovie Smith not returning as Illinois’ coach next season, source told @Stadium
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 13, 2020
BREAKING: Lovie Smith is out as head coach at Illinois, per sources. @HowardGriffith/@ESPNRittenberg first reported the news
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 13, 2020
Lovie Smith and Illinois have agreed to part ways after 2-5 season pic.twitter.com/nj1pNZN6jx
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) December 13, 2020
This is a shade surprising to me. Smith didn’t have a ton of success with the Fighting Illini, but we all know Illinois isn’t a super easy place to win at.
He did a nice job of raising their profile, but I guess it just wasn’t enough.
Now, after five seasons, the former NFL coach is out the door, and the Fighting Illini will begin the search for a new leader.
We’ll see who they land on, but I have no doubt Smith will have a new job soon if we wants one.
Welcome to world of college football. Things sure do change quickly.