Tim Beckman, the head coach of The Fighting Illini collegiate football team was fired for allegations of mismanaging the health of student players on Friday, Aug. 28. Athletic director Mike Thomas made the decision based on reviews. The University of Illinois had a press conference regarding the issue at 4 p.m. ET.
The Chicago Tribune interviewed 50 players who were coached by Beckman and a law firm interviewed 90 people while investigating allegations of misconduct. Beckman was accused of pressuring players into playing despite physical injuries.
“Both of those findings are unsettling violations of University policy and practice and do not reflect the culture that we wish to create in athletic programs for our young people,” stated Thomas. “I expect my coaches to protect players and foster their success on and off the field."
Thomas scouted Beckman from the University of Toledo in Ohio and hired him on Dec. 2011. Beckman’s head coach record with the Toledo Rockets was 21-16. At Illinois, Beckman’s record decreased to 12-25. His overall record is 33-41. Beckman had two years remaining on his five-year contract with Illinois.
The Fighting Illini playing against the Purdue Boilmakers on November 2006.
“During the review, we have asked people not to rush to judgment, but I now have enough information to make this decision in assessing the status and direction of the football program."
“The preliminary information external reviewers shared with me does not reflect our values or our commitment to the welfare of our student-athletes, and I've chosen to act accordingly.”
It is apparent that Beckman, 50, did not foresee the dismissal prior to Friday. He promoted the Illini’s Season Opener event in collaboration with The Big Ten Network early in the afternoon. “One week!” wrote Beckman on Facebook and Twitter, clearly he was looking forward to the new season.
“Great time last night. Glad to have the students back!! Look forward to a great year! #FightingIllini,” wrote Beckman on Aug. 24.
Beckman often promoted football events and invited students to practices, where there was free pizza for attendees. Bill Cubit was promptly named interim head coach for the football season, which begins in only one week. Cubit worked as offensive coordinator for the Illini since 2013.
