The University of Illinois is spending tens of millions of dollars to hire its new football coach. And the school’s leaders say they anticipated questions about the money as the state government struggles through tough financial times.
Lovie Smith was hired Monday and will be paid $21 million over six years in base salary alone.
University officials say the money comes from donations and sports-related revenue. It does not include tuition or funding the school would typically get from the state. The state budget standoff means the school isn’t getting any of the state money this year anyway.
University President Timothy Killeen says he’s comfortable with spending the money to build up the football program.