U Of I Coach Lovie Smith Returns To His College Roots (And That’s Where He Wants To Be)

Lovie Smith
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith speaks at a news conference in Tampa, Fla. The University of Illinois said Monday, March 7, 2016, that Smith will be named the next football coach at the University of Illinois. He will replace Bill Cubit who was fired Saturday after one season in charge at Illinois. Chris O’Meara / AP Photo
Lovie Smith
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith speaks at a news conference in Tampa, Fla. The University of Illinois said Monday, March 7, 2016, that Smith will be named the next football coach at the University of Illinois. He will replace Bill Cubit who was fired Saturday after one season in charge at Illinois. Chris O’Meara / AP Photo

U Of I Coach Lovie Smith Returns To His College Roots (And That’s Where He Wants To Be)

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Lovie Smith has returned to Illinois, but it won’t be at Soldier Field. 

Hiring Smith was one of the earliest moves that U of Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman made in his new role.

Smith tells Cheryl Raye Stout how coaching college feels like his career has come full circle.