Illinois hires Josh Whitman as athletic director
More than three months after the firing of Mike Thomas, Illinois has found its new athletic director.
Illinois interim chancellor Barbara Wilson announced Wednesday that Josh Whitman will be the school’s new AD. Whitman, 37, is an Illinois alum who was a four-year starter at tight end for the Illini from 1997 to 2000. He then went on to play four seasons in the NFL.
Before returning to his alma mater, Whitman, who also has a law degree from Illinois, served as athletic director at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Washington University (St. Louis).
“He impressed us all with his work ethic, his passion, his concern for the welfare of student-athletes and his commitment to diversity,” Wilson said. “He has a record of leaving programs under his leadership better and stronger than when he arrived.
“He understands the business of modern college athletics, but he hasn’t lost any of the sense of fun and joy that should be part of amateur sports. At Illinois we want to compete hard, act with integrity and give our student-athletes the kind of positive experiences that stay with them throughout their lives and careers. If you want to see what that looks like, you just have to look at the leadership and accomplishments of Josh Whitman.”
Added Whitman: “It is a dream come true for me to return to my alma mater as the next director of athletics. With strong leadership, a bold vision, daring integrity and an unparalleled commitment from a unified and active Illini Nation, together we can build an athletics program befitting our great institution. I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, President Killeen, Chancellor Wilson and Illini everywhere for their trust and faith in me. I will work tirelessly to achieve our goals. The future is bright for the Illini.”
Whitman inherits an athletic department that is still reeling from the unstable tenure of Thomas, who was fired after a lengthy report into mistreatment of student-athletes – which led to the firing of football coach Tim Beckman – was released in November.
Bill Cubit served as interim head coach after Beckman’s firing and had the interim tag removed following the season. Whether he is the long-term answer for the struggling football program now lies at the feet of Whitman.
Whitman will be introduced in a press conference on Thursday morning.
For more Illinois news, visit OrangeandBlueNews.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
