Thomas: Beckman will return for a second season

November 27, 2012, 9:42 pm

SCOTT KRINCH


University of Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas ended the speculation about Tim Beckman possibly not returning as head football coach in 2013.

Thomas spoke with WDWS radio station in Champaign on Tuesday and stated Beckman will return for a second season at Illinois.

It was a struggle in Beckman's first year at the helm in Champaign. The Illini lost their last nine games and finished the season with a record of 2-10.

Beckman previously coached Toledo for three seasons and compiled a record of 21-16. He replaced Ron Zook after he was fired at the end of the 2011 season. In Zook's final season at Illinois, he led Illinois to a bowl victory over UCLA in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

Tags: ncaa, Football, Illinois, toledo, UCLA, Ron Zook, Mike Thomas, Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, Tim Beckman, Champaign