Illinois Tim Beckman Fired

The 2015 season has not even begun yet, but it appears we have our first fired coach.

Illinois announced on Friday afternoon that it has fired coach Tim Beckman ahead of its first game.

Here’s what you need to know about what went into Illinois’ decision, and where the program will go from here.

1. The decision was made following preliminary results of an external review into allegations involving the football program. Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas said the decision to fire Beckman came after he received preliminary information from an investigation into the football program. The investigation of Beckman and the Illinois football program — as well as other Illinois athletic programs — came following allegations of mistreatment by former players.

“The preliminary information external reviewers shared with me does not reflect our values or our commitment to the welfare of our student-athletes, and I’ve chosen to act accordingly,” said Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas in a release. “During the review, we have asked people not to rush to judgment, but I now have enough information to make this decision in assessing the status and direction of the football program.”

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