Asmussen | Lovie should hire ... Lovie

» moreI can save Illinois football a lot of time, trouble and money in its search for the next defensive coordinator.

He is already on the staff. Knows defense as well as any coach. And he gets along with the boss. Most times.

Lovie Smith should hire Lovie Smith.

"I know him really well," Smith said during Monday's press conference. "We're on the same page on a lot of things."

Can't beat the price (zero dollars). Human resource has his paperwork done.

It's a no-brainer.

Smith took over last week as coordinator after the sudden resignation of Hardy Nickerson.

For whatever reason, the unit played better. A lot better.

Other than the first Minnesota drive and two late scores, the defense controlled…