Illinois Football: Illini make much needed change, fire Lovie Smith
A new era of Illinois football is coming as the decision has been made to move on from head coach Lovie Smith.
In a tweet by Brett McMurphy of Stadium, the Illini will not retain Lovie after five seasons at the helm. This isn’t a surprise to anyone as the program has floundered in a year that was supposed to the best in years.
Illinois entered the 2020 campaign coming off their first bowl appearance under Lovie. Despite a disappointing finish in the Red Box Bowl, the Illini were returning multiple big-time starters in including the likes of quarterback Brandon Peters, wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe and a plethora of talented defensive stars.
From game one, the Illini didn’t look like the program that made a bowl appearance in 2019. They fell to a Wisconsin program, that hasn’t played well this season, 45-7.
Following the blowout loss to the Badgers, Illinois lost two-straight games only to change the tides and win two in a row. That great little run ended quickly, though.
After a canceled game against Ohio State, Illinois dropped their last two games by double-digit points, including one two their rival Northwestern.
Illinois is now looking for a new head coach. While Lovie is a great person and teacher, he just wasn’t the right fit for the Illini. Sometimes things just don’t work out.
This was a move that needed to be made. Illinois needed to do this so they can hire someone soon and still solidly the class of 2021.
Next. 4 observations from the Illini loss to Missouri. dark
Illini fans, the future is extremely bright. The night is darkest right before the dawn, and believe me, the dawn is coming.