Alas, “#Beckmania” did not trend on social media Sunday. Nor did “#Beck4more” or “#BeckFromTheDead” or any other such enthusiastic hashtaggery about Illinois’ oft-criticized football coach.
There simply was a long-anticipated decision by athletic director Mike Thomas on his guy, Tim Beckman, who surprised many with a victory Saturday at Northwestern, lifting the Illini to 6-6 and bowl eligibility for the first time since the year Ron Zook was fired.
Cut Beckman or keep him? Thomas decided on the latter, neither thrilling the fan base nor sending it into a rage. Most Illini supporters are closer to the middle when it comes to their coach, who has two years left on his contract. Thomas probably is, too. Read more
