John Groce: Ohio Coach Reportedly Set to Accept Illinois Head Coaching Job

The Illinois Fighting Illini have finally found their new coach.

Herb Gould of the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that John Groce will be leaving Ohio University for Champaign.

Groce is fresh off leading the Bobcats to the Sweet Sixteen, and was a missed free throw away from beating No. 1 seeded North Carolina to reach the Elite Eight.

According to the Sun-Times, a deal is all but set:

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I’m hearing that it’s going to get done today or tomorrow. I just keep hearing, 'It’s done.' Barring a last-second catastrophe, it’ll happen. I can’t figure out the delay.

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With a 4 p.m. EST press conference scheduled, there is little doubt it’s going to happen.

Groce, 40, compiled an 85-56 record at Ohio University including a 29-win season this year that shattered the school record. Not only did his No. 13 Bobcats beat No. 4 Michigan and No. 12 South Florida this year, but they also shocked No. 3 Georgetown as a No. 14 seed in the 2010 tournament.

He started his career as an assistant at Taylor back in 1993, before joining the NC State Wolfpack for five seasons (1996-00). From there he was one of Thad Matta’s top assistants at Butler (2000-01), Xavier (2001-04) and Ohio State (2004-08) before landing in Athens.  

The Illini faithful are not exactly thrilled with the choice. They want a bigger name, but after getting rejected by Shaka Smart, Brad Stevens, Anthony Grant and Frank Martin, athletic director Mike Thomas had to find the next best available option.

Coming off a disappointing 17-15 season, Illinois missed the NCAA tournament for the third time in five years. Former head coach Bruce Weber was given the pink slip seven years after taking Illinois all the way to the championship game.

With a young group of players, Groce will have big expectations to win right off the bat in the ultra-competitive Big Ten. 

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