Lovie Smith to take over Illini football

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) slaps hands with head coach Lovie Smith after scoring against the St. Louis Rams during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack).

Instead of a bump up, he was pushed overboard in Chicago by head coach Lovie Smith, who announced on Feb. 20, 2007, that Rivera's contract would not be renewed. Forced to scramble for work, Rivera caught on with the Chargers as their linebackers 

Multiple reports indicate that Lovie Smith will be the next coach at Illinois. CBS Sports college football writer Tom Fornelli has all the details. Watch your Team Videos ▽. Please log in or register to view your favorite teams video. Watch our

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith after the Saints beat the Bucs 24-17 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl. Sunday, December 13, 2015. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The 

According to numerous reporters, including Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post, Ryan Baker of CBS Chicago, and Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 in Tampa, the Fighting Illini are making strides toward naming former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie