The next Illini coach is ...

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Sun, 11/27/2011 - 5:20pm | The News-Gazette

Ron Zook's firing is old news. Who replaces him now is the talk of the town. Here is beat writer Bob Asmussen's take:

10 LEADING CANDIDATES

Tim Beckman

Toledo head coach

Rockets have reached consecutive bowls with former Ohio State assistant

Dave Christensen

Wyoming head coach

Former Missouri assistant has Cowboys bowl eligible for the second time in three seasons

Paul Chryst

Wisconsin offensive coordinator

Badgers counting on losing a top assistant for second year in a row (Dave Doeren, NIU)

Larry Fedora

Southern Miss head coach

Ready for a move up, he was temporarily Zook's offensive coordinator at Illinois

Butch Jones

Cincinnati head coach

After a rough first year, former Thomas hire turned Bearcats around

Mike Leach

Radio announcer

Former Texas Tech coach, an offensive genius, waiting for the next, best opportunity

Paul Rhoads

Iowa State head coach

Nobody else on this list beat undefeated Oklahoma State this year

Kevin Sumlin

Houston head coach

Former Purdue linebacker a hot prospect with undefeated Cougars

Willie Taggert

Western Kentucky head coach

Youngest coach in FBS considered a top recruit and has Hilltoppers bowl eligible

Kirby Wilson

Steelers assistant

Former Illini was interviewed when Ron Zook got hired

5 EXTREME LONG SHOTS

Mike Gundy

Oklahoma State head coach

Only if Rochester quarterback Wes Lunt is part of the deal

Chip Kelly

Oregon head coach

Does the Nike money/stuff come with him?

Urban Meyer

ESPN analyst

Before he goes to Ohio State, he's got to be the first call Thomas makes

Gary Patterson

TCU head coach

Looking at the Big 12's future, might be time to get out

Chris Petersen

Boise State head coach

Nobody's been able to pull the guy away from the blue field and countless wins

5 JUST FOR FUN

Barry Alvarez

Wisconsin AD

Kill two birds with one stone: help Illinois while hurting Badgers

Jon Gruden

ESPN announcer

Chucky has been itching to get back on the field

John Holecek

Loyola Academy head coach

Ex-Illini knows Memorial Stadium like the back of his hand

Jim Tressel

Colts consultant

Would need to switch to orange sweater vests

Mike White

Retired

Illinois fans would start lining up for tickets now

Sections (3):Illini Sports, Football, Sports

Categories (3):Illini Sports, Football, Sports

Comments

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wilyalumni wrote on November 27, 2011 at 5:11 pm

As an alumnus of Illinois and a professor of Toledo, I don't know if Tim Beckman should be your choice. However, we are the Rockets, not the Cowboys.

I did wonder why Illinois wasn't interested in Gary Pinkel before the time he made the switch to Missouri. He was and is a good coach. Timing, I guess.

ecmo1 wrote on November 27, 2011 at 7:11 pm

Pinkel's first full year at Mizzou was 2001 when the Illini had their best season under Ron Turner en route to the Sugar Bowl...So, yeah, the timing just wasn't there...That's my only hope for this football program: we find some diamond in the rough that can turn this ship around...

Dan Bloeme wrote on November 27, 2011 at 5:11 pm

Interesting list Bob. I'm wondering why Gus Malzahn isn't on your list. He would rate ahead of Paul Chryst, Larry Fedora, Paul Rhoads, Willie Taggert and especially Kirby Wilson in my book. Malzahn and Leach are likely your two biggest offensive innovators and had very successful offense at the high major level. Exactly what Illinois needs! Keep Vic Koenning for defense and hire great position coaches and Illinois will be all set to set the Big Ten on fire.

IDave65 wrote on November 27, 2011 at 6:11 pm

I had to laugh after looking at the list of candidates for the next coach of the Illini

I am 53 years old and over my lifetime, the Illini have had 2 football coaches of any real consequence, Mike White and John Mackovic If the best they can do is another Lou Tepper, Ron Turner, Gary Moeller, then they might as well just keep Zook. They act like they are Eastern Illinois University instead of the University of Illinois. They should have the same ability to go out and get the best guy out there as Ohio State or Penn State or any other big school that will be looking for a coach this offseason, instead, they go shopping in the bargain bin. Mark my words, they will be in the same position in another 4 years

read the DI wrote on November 27, 2011 at 6:11 pm

I agree with you, but keep in mind, the program during your lifetime (and mine) has been more on a par with EIU's than Ohio State or Penn State. Regardless of the "why," the fact is, U of I's football program has been a perennial loser. Thus it is seen as a stepping stone for young coaches and a rehab spot for veteran coaches who are on the slide. Even the most successful coach Illinois has had in the past 40 years -- Mackovic -- left because he felt he could never win a national championship here. And no one else ever came close, save for one great season under White (undermined by widespread drug use by the team).

Jam wrote on November 27, 2011 at 9:11 pm

Illinois needs to bring someone in who can recruit lineman like they do in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio State. The Western Michigan coach always gives UI a tough game. Maybe he is the guy.

Illini Founder wrote on November 28, 2011 at 7:11 pm

One name that belongs on this list is Brad Childress the former Minnesota Vikings head coach. He has a proven track record in college football including the Illini under Mike White. He went on to help Barry Alvarez build the Wisconsin program in to a perenial bowl game participant including back to back Rose Bowl wins. With national experience and contacts with the Eagles, Vikings, Wisconsin, Northern Arizona, and Utah he will attract top talent. Also (as I remember) he was known as one of the top recruiters in the country. I believe he will run the type of program that we can be proud of both on and off the field.

tunacommander wrote on November 29, 2011 at 2:11 pm

The ILLINI need stop lowering their expectations and aim high. They are in the BIG 10 afterall.... The perfect guy would be Mike Leach and pay him. He can recruit and has a great offenseive mind. The ILLINI could be in the upper echelon of the conference with him. Trouble is there are a LOT of openings. The AD needs to move fast!

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