UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Illinois hopes to finalize its search for a new athletic director after concluding interviews with seven candidates this week in Indianapolis, a source told the Tribune. Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson and the school’s search committee met Monday and Tuesday with the potential hires: Northern Illinois AD Sean Frazier, Eastern Illinois AD Tom Michael, Division III Washington University AD Josh Whitman, Central Michigan AD Dave Heeke, Florida Atlantic AD Patrick Chun, Maryland deputy AD Kelly Mehrtens and Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. Illinois is still pitching the job to Colorado AD Rick George, who played football for the Illini (1978-81) and has publicly stated he plans to remain in Boulder. Illinois also targeted Northwestern AD Jim Phillips, who declined to interview, a source said. -Shannon Ryan, Chicago Tribune– Read More