... that our very own JB3 was mentioned in connection with the Illinois HC vacancy last year? I remember Duke rumors, but this is interesting:
By THE NEWS-GAZETTE
Copyright The News-Gazette
Published Online November 28, 2004
We're going to assume Utah's Urban Meyer won't pursue the Illinois job, especially with Florida and Washington available. But here are 18 guys who realistically could expect a call from UI athletic director Ron Guenther:
Jack Bicknell Jr.
Louisiana Tech head coach
Record: 32-38
Past experience that matters: Offensive and defensive line coach during long stint at Division I-AA power New Hampshire; offensive line coach at Louisiana Tech before taking over for Gary Crowton.
Local ties: None directly, but his dad, former Boston College coach Jack Bicknell, worked on the same Eagles staff as Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther.
Reason to hire him: He definitely has the look. A younger coach with a great family who figures to be a solid recruiter. He has worked on both sides of the ball, a definite plus. Personality goes well with Guenther's. You can see them talking football at all hours of the day. Has pulled his share of upsets with the Bulldogs, beating Alabama, Michigan State and Oklahoma State. His salary is low enough that a bump to $500,000-600,000 would seem like a great deal to him, very similar to when Bruce Weber was hired in basketball.
Reason not to hire him: Record at Louisiana Tech is below .500, though to be fair it isn't the best job in the world. He is finishing his third nonwinning season. Not much of a wow factor for fans, but Guenther made it clear his first priority is winning.
Odds: 15:1. If the first two or three guys on the list say no, which they might, Bicknell seems like a logical next step. Just a hunch that he gets an interview.