Three months ago today, Illinois fired Tim Beckman, naming Bill Cubit the program's interim coach.
And today, Illinois made another surprising decision, agreeing to a two-year deal with Cubit to become the team's permanent head coach.
Less than three hours before Illinois and Northwestern are slated to play at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois announced a two-year contract for Bill Cubit to become the permanent full-time coach with the Illini.
The deal will play Cubit $1.2 million per year.
Cubit has guided Illinois to a 5-6 record this season ahead of today's regular-season finale against the Wildcats, and Illinois is currently on a two-game losing streak.