The college football coaching carousel is spinning.
A day after Arizona fired Kevin Sumlin, the University of Illinois has sent Lovie Smith on his way.
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) December 13, 2020
Smith was 17–39 over five seasons in Champaign
“Lovie Smith led the Illinois football program with unquestioned integrity during his nearly five years of service,” director of athletics Josh Whitman said Sunday in a statement. “I have tremendous respect for coach Smith and will always be grateful to him for providing a steady, experienced hand at a time when our program required stability. His unshakeable leadership, never more needed than during this pandemic, will be forever remembered.
“Nonetheless, based on extensive evaluation of the program’s current state and future outlook, I have concluded the program is not progressing at the rate we should expect at this advanced stage in coach Smith’s tenure.”
Smith has now been fired by a pro and college team in Illinois. He coached the Chicago Bears but was let go by the NFC North team in 2012.
