URBANA, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Lovie Smith's time as head football coach at the University of Illinois has ended.
Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced on Sunday that Smith, who spent five seasons at the helm of the Fighting Illini, has been relieved of his duties and will not coach the team during its final game of the season.
"Lovie Smith led the Illinois football program with unquestioned integrity during his nearly five years of service," Whitman said in a press release. "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.
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On Saturday, Illinois suffered a 28-10 loss to Northwestern University. In the five seasons Smith was with the Illini, he compiled a 17-39 overall record and 10-33 record in the Big Ten, including a 2-5 mark in 2020. The team's best finish under Smith was fourth place in the Big Ten West Division in 2019 after he led them to two of the most historic wins in the school's history, according to the press release.
Before his stint at Illinois, Smith spent 11 seasons as head coach in the NFL.
He is probably best known for the nine years he spent leading the Chicago Bears, which includes a Super Bowl XLI appearance against the Indianapolis Colts following the 2006 season. Smith and Tony Dungy, the Colt’s head coach, made history when they became the first two Black American head coaches to coach in the Super Bowl.
Illinois’ athletic program will launch a national search to identify Smith’s successor.
Offensive Coordinator Rod Smith will conclude the season as the acting head coach.