Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, August 28, 2015

University of Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas dismissed head football coach Tim Beckman on Friday afternoon.

[ MORE: Read Tom Dienhart's column | See Tim Beckman's statement ]

Thomas cited preliminary results of an external review into player-safety allegations involving the program for his decision.

Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit, who came to Illinois in 2013, will serve as interim coach. Thomas said Cubit will receive an extra $100,000 for the next four months, on top of his $510,000 annual salary.

Learn more about Cubit.

Several current and former Illinois football players reacted to the news on Twitter.

See some of the reaction below.