Lovie Smith

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Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith looks on from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Texans fire coach Lovie Smith after just one season

By Kristie Rieken - Associated Press

Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) cannot bring in a pass as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Cooks inactive against Eagles but expected to return Friday

By Kristie Rieken - Associated Press

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano shouts to his team during the second half of an NCAA college football game againt Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 49-27. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Rutgers tries to end 2-game skid against winless Illinois

Associated Press

FILE - In this Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, file photo, Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters (18) dives for a first down against California during the second half of the Redbox Bowl NCAA college football game, in Santa Clara, Calif. Peters was short of the first down. Illinois appears poised to make a statement in the Big Ten during the 2020 season. One reason is quarterback Peters, who started after transferring from Michigan. He is Illinois' first returning No. 1 quarterback since 2016. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)

Coming off bowl season, Illini eye bigger things in Big Ten

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2019, file photo, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, left, lines up against the Los Angeles Rams' defense during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. The NFL's decision to expand the playoffs from 12 to 14 teams this season could have a major impact on the league based on how things have played out in the past.(AP Photo/Don Wright, File)

How paths might have changed under expanded NFL playoffs

By JOSH DUBOW - Associated Press

Illinois assistant Byrd leaves program; 2 others join

Associated Press

Northwestern wide receiver Riley Lees (19) catches a touchdown pass as Illinois defensive back Sydney Brown (30) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Champaign , Ill. Northwestern won 29-10. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Northwestern upsets rival Illinois 29-10

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks up at the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Swarming defense lifts Illinois over Rutgers 38-10

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Illinois' Josh Imatorbhebhe, second from right, celebrates with teammates including Donny Navarro (86) after scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Oct.19, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. Illinois won 24-21. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)

Illinois stuns No. 6 Wisconsin with last-second FG

By The Associated Press - Associated Press

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost follows warmups before an NCAA college football game against Northern Illinois in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Huskers meet Illini looking to finally break through on road

By ERIC OLSON - Associated Press

Illinois wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) celebrates with his teammates after an interception against Connecticut late in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Illinois eyes 3-0 start, faces tough Eastern Michigan team

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2019, file photo, Illinois running back Mike Epstein gets away from Rutgers defensive back Kiy Hester on the way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Piscataway, N.J. Epstein is back this year and ready to go, head coach Lovie Smith said. (AP Photo/David Boe, File)

Illinois confident going into home opener vs Zips

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2019, file photo, Illinois running back Mike Epstein gets away from Rutgers defensive back Kiy Hester on the way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Piscataway, N.J. Epstein is back this year and ready to go, head coach Lovie Smith said. (AP Photo/David Boe, File)

Illini cite improvement, look to better 4-8 record

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Northwestern looks to maintain edge over rival Illinois

By JOHN JACKSON - Associated Press

Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) breaks away to the end zone in the second half of a NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)

Corbin, Illinois roll over Minnesota 55-31

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks off the field after an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Illinois defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson resigns

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) avoids the Illinois defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)

Sanders, McSorley lead No. 10 Penn State over Illinois 63-24

By ANDREW SELIGMAN - Associated Press

Illinois faces its first big test against South Florida

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Illinois quarterback AJ Bush passes the ball from his own end zone late in the second quarter of an NCAA college football against Kent State in Champaign, Ill., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)

Illinois hosts Western Illinois, eager to find footing

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press

Illinois looks to start winning trend against Kent State

By TERRY TOWERY - Associated Press