Smith says he expects the team he’s inherited to compete for a Big Ten Championship. The former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaners coach said he planned to complete his career at Illinois, after signing a six-year, $21 million contract.  "I don't know what better commitment I can show to everyone that we're going to be here for the long haul," he said.

After more than 100 days without an athletic director, the University of Illinois has officially named Josh Whitman to the post.  The U of I graduate earned law and finance degrees at the school, and played for a few years in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills.