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.
Several current and former Illinois football players reacted to the news on Twitter.
See some of the reaction below.
Illinois just got better !!!#illini.
— Akeem Spence (@AkeemSpence) August 28, 2015
Will always have the utmost respect for Coach Beckman for giving me an opportunity that no one else did.
— Mike Dudek (@MDFlash_7) August 28, 2015
I appreciate all the support I have received. Huge step in bettering athletics and in helping us prevent future wrongdoings. #Illini
— Simon Cvijanovi? (@SimonCvijanovic) August 28, 2015
We are still going to be successful this season. No matter the circumstances... It's us vs. everybody #ILL
— Tre Watson Sr. (@MDQue_33) August 28, 2015
We just gotta fight #Illiniarmy
— Caleb Reams (@SirClutch97) August 28, 2015
Will always support and love Tim Beckman. Unfortunate day for the Illini but we have an obligation to put on a good show for this university
— Teddy Karras (@_teddy_k) August 28, 2015
Coach Cubit is a great coach and an even better person. Very excited to play for him. It's gonna be a great year just wait #OSKEE15 ??
— ???? ?????? (@TaSSuM_XeLA) August 28, 2015
With great adversity comes great opportunity! This is our team and there's no reason why we can't be great! #OSKEE15 #ILL
— Jeff George Jr (@jgeorgeqb) August 28, 2015