Illinois fires Cubit just months after 2-year deal

The Illinois Fighting Illini fired football coach Bill Cubit on Saturday, with new athletic director Josh Whitman saying immediate stability was needed.

After coaching the team to a 5-7 record on an interim basis last season, Cubit was signed to a two-year contract on Nov. 29.

"I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has been, unquestionably, a very tumultuous time," Whitman said in a statement issued on his first day on the job as AD. "He accepted the challenge on an interim basis under incredibly difficult and unusual circumstances, and he has continued to work diligently for the betterment of our student-athletes. Through his efforts, he has…