The former Illini offensive coordinator, who took over after Tim Beckman's dismissal, will receive $1.2 million a year. Interim athletic director Paul Kowalczyk said the move "will allow Bill to make decisions regarding the program as the head coach without the interim title, and lead the Fighting Illini into Saturday's game without speculation."
Wes Lunt threw for 162 yards en route to the Illini's season-opening rout Saturday, a game re-scheduled due to lightning the night before.
The interim head coach of the Illini football team says he's getting support from all over as he takes on the new role. They'll host Kent State Friday at Memorial Stadium, with kickoff at 8 p.m.
U of I Athletic Director Mike Thomas announced he was dismissing head football coach Tim Beckman, following preliminary results of an external review into allegations about the football program. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit, who's been with the program since 2013, is taking over as interim head coach.
