Cubit out at Illinois

[GMAN81]

I happen to agree with what pjjp said. My first reaction when I heard the news was in the form of a question. I did NOT ask, why does the U of I want Lovie Smith? I DID ask, why does Lovie Smith want the U of I?

I happen to think it is a good hire by the U of I. As for whether or not Smith will be a good college football coach remains to be seen. Steve Spurrier was a lousy Pro football coach and a very good College football coach.

With that said, I don't dislike Lovie Smith. When I look around the league, I think he is a pretty good head football coach in the NFL. There are better coaches and there are certainly worse. We just got rid of one of the coaches who was worse here in Chicago in 2015.

Like pjjp says, if not Smith then who do you hire? Personally I am not a U of I fan or a fan of the B1G. But I know a whole bunch of people in this state who are starved for a good, big time, college football team in Illinois. It has been a loooong time since this state has truly had one. Maybe Smith helps, maybe he doesn't.

I think it may answer some questions truthfully like, why don't kids go there to play football? We know what the so-called answers are now. Let's see if Smith can change the culture down there.

 

[UlbKA91]

Please no Bob Babich!

 

[LHSTigers94]

Lovie has proved over and over again that he can't coach a lick. He has no clue what the term "halftime adjustments" means.

And as dysfunctional as the U of I is, he will fit right in.

All True but, He has been to the Super Bowl as a DC and a Coach. I can name 100 plus coaches that can NEVER say this. I would also ask who is a good coach in your opinion that would apply for the Illinois job?

I may not be a Lovie fan but, I can't see where the "Hate" is coming from. How many times did the Bears go to the Super Bowl? Who were their coaches?

 

[Wild_Mustang]

I'll tell you what...if you're a top rated high school defensive player in Illinois, you'll want to go play for Lovie Smith. That's a fact. I guarantee you he will own Illinois in recruiting...guarantee it.

As far having to land a 4 star or a 5 star recruit, I'm pretty sure we can all agree that those "star" rankings people give out literally mean nothing. Literally, they mean absolutely nothing and it gets proven year in and year out. He'll recruit the best football players for his program, regardless of "star".

Like I said before, I'm absolutely pumped about this hiring. I'm a Notre Dame football fan but I also root for all Illinois schools to succeed as well.

My fondest memories of the Bears are the Lovie years. I'm 32, I don't remember the 85 Bears, my favorite and best Bears teams were all during the Lovie years. That was such a fun time and I know he's going to do that same thing at U of I. He was and would have turned around Tampa Bay. I mean they went 2-14 and then 6-10 the next year. The guy is a great coach. He can 100% recruit, he's a motivator.

 

[jwarigaku]

Bronco,

They offered those kids late in the game. My point is they have not made quality offers to kids that warrant them in state early enough. It's not the eventual totals it's the early offers and the lack of building early relationships. You would also have to look at things position by position as my guess is those numbers are probably skewed by one or two positions on the field.

I took a look to see if your premise that Illinois is not offering Illinois kids holds true. Currently Rivals has ranked 28 Illinois kids (5 star-2 star). Only 2 have committed, both to out of state schools, Notre Dame and Iowa. Both of those kids held Illinois offers. Illinois has offered 22 of the 28 ranked kids.

The last recruiting class, 2016, 77 Illinois kids were ranked by Rivals, 2 of those ranked kids committed to Illinois. In It would seem that Illinois is offering Illinois kids, but Edgy's premise that if Illinois got 3 out of every 10 kids Illinois offered, Illinois would be doing great holds true.

Its not who Illinois is offering or that they are missing out on Illinois kids, its that those Illinois kids who Illinois are offering are going elsewhere.

 

[illini14]

Bronco,

They offered those kids late in the game. My point is they have not made quality offers to kids that warrant them in state early enough. It's not the eventual totals it's the early offers and the lack of building early relationships. You would also have to look at things position by position as my guess is those numbers are probably skewed by one or two positions on the field.

Do you think Beckman and co. didn't offer those kids early because they knew that the IL High school coaches thought he was an idiot and didn't want to send their kids there? Why recruit a kid you know you won't get because the family and HS coach are steering him elsewhere? Or Illinois heard the kids had bad grades and stayed away?

IMO, Zook and co. thought IL HS football was bad and stayed away and recruited FL and OH more. They would recruit the top IL kids and were able to get some (Juice, Martez Wilson, Menddenhall,Terry Hawthorne), but cared less about the tier 2 kids.

 

[LHSTigers94]

Bronco,

They offered those kids late in the game. My point is they have not made quality offers to kids that warrant them in state early enough. It's not the eventual totals it's the early offers and the lack of building early relationships. You would also have to look at things position by position as my guess is those numbers are probably skewed by one or two positions on the field.

Not to plug Edgytim but, I really think he has a pretty decent handle of the top talent in Illinois. I have always wondered why Illinois staff won't collaborate and get the early jump on recruiting in Illinois.

Jwar is right, they are ALWAYS late to the party!

 

[LHSTigers94]

Do you think Beckman and co. didn't offer those kids early because they knew that the IL High school coaches thought he was an idiot and didn't want to send their kids there? Why recruit a kid you know you won't get because the family and HS coach are steering him elsewhere? Or Illinois heard the kids had bad grades and stayed away?

IMO, Zook and co. thought IL HS football was bad and stayed away and recruited FL and OH more. They would recruit the top IL kids and were able to get some (Juice, Martez Wilson, Menddenhall,Terry Hawthorne), but cared less about the tier 2 kids.

What most don't understand is HS coaches don't have to steer any kid away from Illinois. They have to push kids toward Illinois in which most saw no reason to do that. If nothing else, there will be some stability which is golden right now for Illinois.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

20 years later? It's a whole new world Newt...not saying he can't get it done but a lot has changed

Edgy

Agreed. But this is clearly an improvement over what's

 

[Quags22]

All True but, He has been to the Super Bowl as a DC and a Coach. I can name 100 plus coaches that can NEVER say this. I would also ask who is a good coach in your opinion that would apply for the Illinois job?

I may not be a Lovie fan but, I can't see where the "Hate" is coming from. How many times did the Bears go to the Super Bowl? Who were their coaches?

There is no hate other than all the times I froze my *** at Soldier watching Lovie and his crappy cover 2 sit back and have teams march up and down the field at the end of the half or the end of the game. Again, the guy comes in with a game plan and NEVER adjusts to what is happening on the field.

As far as coaches, PJ Fleck sounds just perfect to me.

Let's see if Lovie brings his kids with him to coach with him. That may tell you why he wanted this job so bad.

 

[jwarigaku]

No beef with Lovie but this leads me to one word...WOW!

"Lovie has a six-year deal worth $21 million total, including $2 million in 2016-2017, $3 million in 2018, $4 million in 2019 and $5 million for 2020-21."

I just don't get the whole Lovie hire on several levels sorry.

 

[JCHillmen]

No beef with Lovie but this leads me to one word...WOW!

"Lovie has a six-year deal worth $21 million total, including $2 million in 2016-2017, $3 million in 2018, $4 million in 2019 and $5 million for 2020-21."

Don't just look at Lovie's compensation. He was given an assistant's pool of $4 million. That's elite level in all of college football. This isn't exciting because it's Lovie Smith, it's exciting because it's a sea change in an athletic department deciding to finally make a commitment to doing what it takes to truly compete.

Very excited to see the staff he puts together. Just heard his sons will not be joining him. Not sure if true.

 

[BretEpic]

Lovie is going to do what Lovie Smith does and surround himself with people to do everything but be Lovie Smith.

 

[LHSTigers94]

There is no hate other than all the times I froze my *** at Soldier watching Lovie and his crappy cover 2 sit back and have teams march up and down the field at the end of the half or the end of the game. Again, the guy comes in with a game plan and NEVER adjusts to what is happening on the field.

As far as coaches, PJ Fleck sounds just perfect to me.

Let's see if Lovie brings his kids with him to coach with him. That may tell you why he wanted this job so bad.

Sounds like 100% of Most teams in the NFL. Fleck would not have created the buzz that Lovie brings. It's not close!

Lovie is going to do what Lovie Smith does and surround himself with people to do everything but be Lovie Smith.

Sounds like a smart man.

 

[UlbKA91]

Fleck would probably be The best candidate but firing a former WMU head coach and hiring the current WMU coach would look strange - like the Bulls fixation on Iowa State HCs.

 

[LHSTigers94]

Just curious on why so many people feel that Fleck would be a great hire. Is it his ability to recruit? I am only intrigued because people feel a coach who has made it to two super bowls is below an up and coming coach. Just hard to grasp the concept.

 

[GMAN81]

Just curious on why so many people feel that Fleck would be a great hire. Is it his ability to recruit? I am only intrigued because people feel a coach who has made it to two super bowls is below an up and coming coach. Just hard to grasp the concept.

I agree. I am thinking if Smith had coached another NFL team and did the same thing, more people in this area would feel differently. They would probably be just fine with the hire. But, Lovie left a bad taste in many Bears fans mouths when he left. Nevermind the fact that only Mike Ditka and George Halas had more wins and a better winning percentage in my lifetime.

But it will all come down to recruiting...as it always does in College football. I like the hire.

 

[GMAN81]

I just don't get the whole Lovie hire on several levels sorry.

Can you explain? And who is your alternative?

 

[eireog]

I don't get the hire . He's nearly 60, hasn't coached in college in over 20 years, and not charismatic . All these things don't bode well for recruiting, the lifeblood of any program.

I know Cubit hired Tim McGarigle back in January to coach linebackers. I think Lovie would be wise to retain him. Tim's a Chicago kid (St. Pats) who has made ties in the area the last few years recruiting for W . Michigan. Lovie's gonna need help on the recruiting trail.

 

[jwarigaku]

Dr. and LHST,

I like Lovie, even though I'm not a Bears fan, and respect what he's done from a coaching stand point. I personally like his understated demeanor, but in today's silly world of college recruiting it might play out as lack luster to his customers(the parents) and the star gazing players. I hope I'm wrong because a good or very good Illini team makes the Big10 better as well. Based on the guys Lovie is rumored to be considering for position coaches and Cooridinators they will be excellent at coaching but again concern will be with recruiting in my mind because most are from the NFL where you pay your players. Coach Fleck is all energy, I've been with him both in a group and personal setting and you can't help but get excited when your with him, even if it's about two rain drops racing down a window pane, he's infectious. That said I know of people that have been rubbed the wrong way by him too, in his "high pressure get this kid committed to the program" approach. I think it's important to realize that any hire will not satisfy everyone, but this one, while excellent from the X's and O's standpoint, brings with it some other concerns. Time will tell if this is the right hire, because there is no longer an excuse about funding and fueling the program!

Can you explain? And who is your alternative?

 

[GMAN81]

I was asking Edgy to explain Jwar. But I read your post and you do make some good and valid points. I guess the U of I didn't see it that way.

 

[redmen85]

The 4 names that I have heard are Lovie, Fleck, Leslie Frazier and Monken.
I like Fleck. But I believe his next job is "bigger" than the Illini.
Of the other three, I think Lovie has the most to offer.

 

[1111SouthFirst]

Dr. and LHST,

I like Lovie, even though I'm not a Bears fan, and respect what he's done from a coaching stand point. I personally like his understated demeanor, but in today's silly world of college recruiting it might play out as lack luster to his customers(the parents) and the star gazing players. I hope I'm wrong because a good or very good Illini team makes the Big10 better as well. Based on the guys Lovie is rumored to be considering for position coaches and Cooridinators they will be excellent at coaching but again concern will be with recruiting in my mind because most are from the NFL where you pay your players. Coach Fleck is all energy, I've been with him both in a group and personal setting and you can't help but get excited when your with him, even if it's about two rain drops racing down a window pane, he's infectious. That said I know of people that have been rubbed the wrong way by him too, in his "high pressure get this kid committed to the program" approach. I think it's important to realize that any hire will not satisfy everyone, but this one, while excellent from the X's and O's standpoint, brings with it some other concerns. Time will tell if this is the right hire, because there is no longer an excuse about funding and fueling the program!

John Groce is also all energy...how's he doing outside the MAC?

 

[USD24]

John Groce is also all energy...how's he doing outside the MAC?

In both sports, it comes down to recruiting. Get the best players, and 9 times out of 10 you will be successful.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

The 4 names that I have heard are Lovie, Fleck, Leslie Frazier and Monken.
I like Fleck. But I believe his next job is "bigger" than the Illini.
Of the other three, I think Lovie has the most to offer.

Agreed Redmen. Fleck wouldn't leave WMU a week before spring practice. Especially to go to Illinois. That's not a step up move - barely a lateral move.

 

[LHSTigers94]

Dr. and LHST,

I like Lovie, even though I'm not a Bears fan, and respect what he's done from a coaching stand point. I personally like his understated demeanor, but in today's silly world of college recruiting it might play out as lack luster to his customers(the parents) and the star gazing players. I hope I'm wrong because a good or very good Illini team makes the Big10 better as well. Based on the guys Lovie is rumored to be considering for position coaches and Cooridinators they will be excellent at coaching but again concern will be with recruiting in my mind because most are from the NFL where you pay your players. Coach Fleck is all energy, I've been with him both in a group and personal setting and you can't help but get excited when your with him, even if it's about two rain drops racing down a window pane, he's infectious. That said I know of people that have been rubbed the wrong way by him too, in his "high pressure get this kid committed to the program" approach. I think it's important to realize that any hire will not satisfy everyone, but this one, while excellent from the X's and O's standpoint, brings with it some other concerns. Time will tell if this is the right hire, because there is no longer an excuse about funding and fueling the program!

To a level I agree but, the best recruiter is Nick Saban who is filled with energy, right? What Illinois need is consistency which is what Lovie bring. Recruiting will take care of itself considering they haven't been burning up the recruiting trail in the last 8 years or so. The reality is kids want to play for a winner. Right now X's and O's are the biggest factor from improvement.

 

[jwarigaku]

1111,

I know NOTHING about hoops and won't pretend too...football is a different story and Fleck will be a power broker as time moves forward.

John Groce is also all energy...how's he doing outside the MAC?

 

[jwarigaku]

LHST,

Saban is electric in a different way but he is still high energy in his own right. Lovie, at least at this point, is more laid back. That said, unlike the other guys you mention, I have not been in Lovie's presences when he's actively coaching. Again I think he's a great coach and better than expected pick up by the Illini, he's got the Money and with that I'm sure he will get the staff...the question will be, can he recruit and produce on the field. At this compensation level, if he doesn't he will be ousted along with the new AD and the program circles right back to where they are.

To a level I agree but, the best recruiter is Nick Saban who is filled with energy, right? What Illinois need is consistency which is what Lovie bring. Recruiting will take care of itself considering they haven't been burning up the recruiting trail in the last 8 years or so. The reality is kids want to play for a winner. Right now X's and O's are the biggest factor from improvement.

 

[LHSTigers94]

LHST,

Saban is electric in a different way but he is still high energy in his own right. Lovie, at least at this point, is more laid back. That said, unlike the other guys you mention, I have not been in Lovie's presences when he's actively coaching. Again I think he's a great coach and better than expected pick up by the Illini, he's got the Money and with that I'm sure he will get the staff...the question will be, can he recruit and produce on the field. At this compensation level, if he doesn't he will be ousted along with the new AD and the program circles right back to where they are.

His laid back style fits right in with a conservative University. I immediately think of Stanford for some reason.

 

[illini14]

In both sports, it comes down to recruiting. Get the best players, and 9 times out of 10 you will be successful.

I'm sure thats why Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Northwestern always have top 25 classes right? And all those high level classes under Zook turned out a bunch of 10 win seasons.

You have to COACH and develop kids, and teach them how to play.

 

[Anon1754760634]

That's why I've been saying that his hires will be very interesting for that exact same reason Snet. Also I WANT Illinois to win and just look at the landscape....can they become Ohio State, Michigan State or Michigan? Not sure but can they become say Iowa or Wisconsin? Absolutely.

 

[1111SouthFirst]

1111,

I know NOTHING about hoops and won't pretend too...football is a different story and Fleck will be a power broker as time moves forward.

Fleck has got to be more than a cheerleader in a coach's shirt to move up. Maybe he will, maybe he won't. I'm not sold on him yet.

 

[USD24]

I'm sure thats why Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Northwestern always have top 25 classes right? And all those high level classes under Zook turned out a bunch of 10 win seasons.

You have to COACH and develop kids, and teach them how to play.

If you have one or the other you can be competitive, you need both to be great.