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Source: Illinois hires Bill Cubit

Illinois has hired former Western Michigan head coach Bill Cubit to be its offensive coordinator, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Cubit was fired by Western Michigan in November after eight seasons. He went 51-47 overall and made three bowl appearances with the Broncos.
Western Michigan was often among the MAC's offensive leaders in points and total offense during Cubit's tenure. The Broncos ranked 18th in the country in points (35.3) and 19th in total offense (458.5 yards per game) in 2011. Western Michigan averaged 29 points a game during Cubit's eight years.

Cubit also spent time as an offensive coordinator at Stanford (2004), Rutgers (2001-2002), Missouri (2000) and Western Michigan (1997-1999). He also called the offensive plays throughout his time as Western Michigan's head coach.

Cubit faced Illinois coach Tim Beckman when Beckman was the head coach at Toledo from 2009 to 2011. Beckman went 2-1 against Cubit. Toledo defeated Western Michigan 66-63 in a memorable MAC game in 2011.

Beckman announced Saturday that co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chris Beatty was not being retained on Illinois' coaching staff.

The Illini went 2-10 overall and 0-8 in the Big Ten in Beckman's first season. Illinois ranked 12th in the Big Ten in points (16.7) and total offense (296.7).