Some credible sources are telling me Lovie Smith will be the next #Illini head football coach. @cbschicago

: Per multiple media reports, Lovie Smith will be the next Illinois Football head coach ( link ).

Original post:

According to Ryan Baker (who's as plugged in as anyone when it comes to Chicago/Illinois sports), former Bears coach Lovie Smith may be announced as the new Illinois HC in the coming days/weeks.

No matter who the next head coach ends up being, it certainly sounds like Josh Whitman had someone in mind before firing Bill Cubit this morning.

We'll obviously keep you updated on the situation, but click here for some more potential candidates that can replace Cubit.