The News-Gazette · Mar 14, 2016
Lovie talks traditions, college towns
CHAMPAIGN — He’s been gone from the college game for 21 years.
But just because he was working in the NFL doesn’t mean Lovie Smith wasn’t paying attention.
“I think that’s a misnomer that you’re in the NFL, so you’re in a different country,” Smith said. “I watch college football every weekend. College football is the base part of my life throughout.”
Smith enjoyed the college experience at Tulsa, playing for John Cooper in the 1970s.
“I think it was a great game back then, and I loved every minute of it,” Smith said. “And I think it’s an even better game right now.”
Smith, hired Monday as Illinois’ 25th coach, sat down with The News-Gazette in his new Memorial Stadium office Thursday afternoon.