The University of Illinois now has an opening for a head football coach. In a move that caught many off guard, new Athletic Director Josh Whitman fired 1st year coach Bill Cubit. The move happened just a week before the Illini were set to commence spring practice. The practices are postponed until a replacement can be found.
Whitman released a statement earlier today and it was chock full of admin-speak in which he said this:
“I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has been, unquestionably, a very tumultuous time,” Whitman said. “He accepted the challenge on an interim basis under incredibly difficult and unusual circumstances, and he has continued to work diligently for the betterment of our student-athletes. Through his efforts, he has kept the program moving forward.
Bill is a good man and a good football coach. All of us in the Illini Nation owe him a debt of gratitude for his work leading our team these last months. At this juncture, however, I think it is most important that we position our program for long-term success by creating a more stable environment for the coaches, players, and prospective student-athletes.”
After taking over on an interim on August 28, 2015, after previous AD Mike Thomas amid an investigation regarding injury and the treatment of players, Cubit posted a 5-7 record ( 2-6 in the Big 10). November 29 the “interim” was removed from his title when he was awarded a 2 year contract.
Offensive Coordinator Ryan Cubit was also dismissed. The remaining assistant coaches will have the chance to interview with the new head coach, whomever that will be.
