Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, March 7, 2016

Lovie Smith was announced as the new Illinois football coach early Monday morning, and soon after the head coach was introduced to his new players.

[ MORE: Dienhart: Lovie Smith hiring means 'future is now' ]

Let's just say, as expected, the players approve of the hiring of a former NFL coach who led the hometown Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XLI.

The Illini gave Smith a standing ovation at his introduction in the team room.

Watch the reception in the video above.

Also, check out some of the Twitter reaction from the Illinois football family below.

https://twitter.com/HouseOfBain_/status/706835225989550080 https://twitter.com/SpeedKe5/status/706835129877008384

***

Speaking of Illinois football family tweets, if you missed it, former head coach Bill Cubit sent out a classy tweet.