Is Simeon coach Robert Smith headed to Illinois?

Simeon coach Robert Smith is ready to talk with Illinois coach Bruce Weber about the assistant coach opening in Champaign.

“If the opportunity arose I would definitely take it,” Smith said. “I’ve always wanted to coach at Illinois.”

Smith said he and Weber have discussed Smith’s college coaching aspirations in the past, but never about any position at Illinois. Smith was listed as a candidate for the job in the Champaign newspaper today.

“I called coach Weber today but couldn’t get a hold of him,” Smith said.

Smith, who led the Wolverines to the last two Class AA state titles, has always been a vocal supporter of Illinois.

“As a high school coach I’ve tried not to be too biased,” Smith said. “I want kids to go to Illinois, but you have to let them make their own decisions. I want Illinois to be one of the best teams in the country. I could help them do that as an assistant coach.”