URBANA — University of Illinois President Tim Killeen got his first face-to-face with new Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman on Monday, and he came away impressed.
“He’s got everything — all of the right impulses, a deep understanding of the Illini programs and recognition of some of the challenges to come.
“I think he brings experience, energy, standing. I think he’ll be an exciting leader for our program,” Killeen told The News-Gazette on Wednesday.
Whitman’s hiring, widely reported Tuesday night, was made official by Illinois on Wednesday afternoon.
Killeen said he was kept informed “all along the way” as the search unfolded and participated in many of the conversations.