CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) – Illinois abruptly fired coach Tim Beckman one week before the start of the season Friday after an investigation of player mistreatment allegations revealed he had meddled in medical issues and inappropriately treated athletes who remained on scholarship after leaving the team.
With three of his programs under scrutiny, athletic director Mike Thomas said the timing was unfortunate but “it was in the best interests of student-athletes to act now.” Thomas said the final report of the investigation would not be completed and publicly released until during the season.
Illinois said Beckman will not receive $3.1 million remaining on the final two years of his original five-year contract or the $743,000 buyout.
Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit, who was head coach at Western Michigan from 2005-12, has been named interim coach. The Illini face Kent State at home Sept. 4 to start the season.
Beckman was 12-25 at Illinois, improving the team’s record each season. The Illini went 6-7 last year and reached the Heart of Dallas Bowl. He did not immediately respond to a phone message left by The Associated Press.