Tim Beckman (Toledo) to Replace Zook at Illinois?

Submitted by Happy Gilmore on

It's being reported on 106.5 "The Ticket" in Toledo that Tim Beckman, coach of the Toledo Rockets, will be replacing Ron Zook at Illinois next year. This is not a done deal yet, but it is expected to be announced sometime soon.

If this goes through, I think this will be a pretty good move for Illinois. As seen on several Wednesday/Thursday games on ESPN, his team does not know how to play defense, but overall Beckman has done a solid job with the Rocket's team in the past 3 years and has done real well on the recruiting front (The Ticket said his recruiting class last year was 1st in the MAC and would have been the 5th best class in the B1G).

Link: http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/12/8/2621460/tim-beckman-ill…

Maize_in_Spartyland

December 8th, 2011 at 5:52 PM ^

FWIW, Norm Wamer said its not a done deal, merely speculated based on an article in the Chicago Sun Times, no contact from Beckman, and Beckman's refusal to deny discussions.

Speaking of which, would denying it even matter? The media seems to take any sort of statement ("yes, there is truth", "no, there is no truth", "no comment") as being indicative of something going on.

Philbert

December 8th, 2011 at 6:14 PM ^

As a toledo student I can't help but be a little sad by this. This guy made Toledo relevant again and he was a fantastic coach. He's going to do really well at Illinois.

Norm Wamer

December 8th, 2011 at 7:21 PM ^

This is Norm Wamer, PD at ESPN 106.5 "The Ticket."  We did NOT report that Tim Beckman will be replacing Ron Zook at Illinois.  We referenced the articles in the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun Times.  While I think it looks like Tim could very well be heading west, we did NOT say "Tim Beckman, coach of the Toledo Rockets, will be replacing Ron Zook at Illinois next year."

 

weasel3216

December 8th, 2011 at 7:57 PM ^

I am not sure that it would work out that well in the long term though.  Beckman would be recruiting against Hoke and Meyer who have both proven to be great recruiters thus far.  I could see Beckman turning Illinois into a middle of pack, make a run every five years type of team, so basically the same that Zook had them as.  

Also must say i would not be mad to see Beckman leave Toledo, as i am a BGSU grad.