Do you know what's cool about hiring a competent football coach? It gives national media a reason to cover your program. The Fighting Illini experienced this phenomenon on Wednesday morning, as new head coach Lovie Smith was invited for a live interview during Sportscenter. If you missed the brief session, you can watch it above.
Other than the usual questions on college adjustments and recruiting, there really wasn't too much discussed during the conversation. Although, we did learn that the Lovie will be at the NFL Hall of Fame ceremonies this weekend to support inductees Tony Dungy and Orlando Pace. Regardless of all that bland coach talk, it's always exciting to see the Orange and Blue on ESPN.
#Illini #WeWillWin pic.twitter.com/QXIdNjens6
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) August 3, 2016
I think I just had that moment of realization: @LovieSmith is the head football coach of the University of Illinois.
— Michael Carpenter (@FanboyCarp) August 3, 2016
Whoa.
Perks of the job. @LovieSmith representing @IlliniAthletics @IlliniFootball on @SportsCenter. #IlliniNewEra pic.twitter.com/PxPJyqpAHA
— Derryl Myles (@DerrylMyles) August 3, 2016
Wow: a competent, professional interview from an Illini football coach on a national stage so refreshing
— Alex Roux (@aroux94) August 3, 2016