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What Illinois interim coach Rod Smith had to say at his Monday press conference
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A guy with the last name of Smith spoke to the media in Champagne on Monday. It’s probably not the guy you’re used to hearing from on Monday’s wearing that Illinois orange.
Following the news on oSunday that Lovie Smith had been relieved of his duties with the Illini, interim head coach Rod Smith got to do his inaugural weekly coach press conference with the media as Illinois prepares to take on Penn State in its championship week matchup.
#illini acting head coach Rod Smith: Going through a range of emotions. Even after a night, "it's still raw." Mixed emotions right now.
"I'm honored and it's been such a blessing to work with Lovie Smith. First-class guy. First-class coach." pic.twitter.com/o9KNdEHGWE
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
#illini Rod Smith: We're here for the kids. We will do the damndest to allow them to finish this thing up.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
#illini Rod Smith: It's the job. It's the business. We all know what we signed up for. No one wants to go through this. …You're a professional first. You do your job.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
Smith takes over the head coaching gig after serving as the Illini offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach since 2018. This move requires some shuffling on the coaching front.
#illini Rod Smith: Jimmy Lindsey calling the defense. Dylan Roney will take over as DEs coach. Carson Hall will assume LBs coach role. Both those guys were coaching those guys. Ilir Emini working with safeties.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
#illini Rod Smith: Mike DiAngelo stepping in as QBs coach to alleviate some of the duties he now has to take on.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
Besides a shuffling of coaches, Smith also has to deal with the current roster of players and those who are expected to join Illinois in the future.
#illini Rod Smith: We're here for the kids. We will do the damndest to allow them to finish this thing up.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
#illini Rod Smith: Had communication with almost all the commits. Just have real conversations with them. Part of the reason they committed is the institution. Some guys probably will re-think things. You just give them some times. But reassure them they still have a spot here
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020
As for the game against the Nittany Lions, it’s probably the final game of the season for a struggling Illinois team. That means the Illini can treat it different from a normal game.
#illini Rod Smith: "Basically you treat this like a bowl game."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 14, 2020