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.

Former Illini linebacker Simon Cvijanovic, whose complaints led to the firing of football coach Tim Beckman and athletic director Mike Thomas, was interviewed for a Tuesday segment on HBO's "Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel."  He said there's 'no doubt' team doctors conspired with coaches for him to keep playing despite injuries.

An Associated Press investigation says alumni were upset after the firings of football coach Tim Beckman and athletic director Mike Thomas, shortly after Phyllis Wise stepped down as Urbana campus chancellor. Some were thankful Beckman and Thomas were fired, but wish they were gone sooner.

Former athletic director Mike Thomas, who was fired last month, and soccer coach Janet Rayfield are no longer defendants in the lawsuit filed by former U of I soccer player Janet Rayfield.  Judge Jeffrey Ford says the suit didn't provide a basis for claims.