Emma: Firing Beckman Would Be Foolish
By Chris Emma-
EVANSTON (CBS) -- A different scene took place two years ago at Ryan Field.
Tim Beckman's Illinois team was out-classed by its arch rival, allowing 50 points and surrendering the Land of Lincoln Trophy, and the first-year head coach literally fell to his backside as a Northwestern player barreled into him en route for a touchdown.
This time, it was Illinois punishing its rival, a 47-33 rout. Beckman was again given a sideline warning, but it was the officials asking to contain his on-field celebration. This contest served as four quarters and 60 minutes of proof that Beckman has built up his program and deserves another year.
"It was tough," Beckman said. "We're moving in the direction we need to. I didn't know it was this down. But we're moving in the direction we need to."
Leaving the field, his arms raised in the air, Beckman was filled with joy. He offered embraces to every assistant and player in sight. Then came a chant never before muttered the past three seasons.
"Beckman! Beckman!" And this was in the house that Pat Fitzgerald built.
The victory lap continued along the south end zone of Ryan Field as Beckman had hugs for the fans, too.
"That's what this thing is about, a huge family, and something that I'm very, very proud of," said Beckman. "I want to give everybody a hug."
One could have rightfully argued that Beckman deserved to be fired after that embarrassing end to a 2-10 season in 2012. However, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas allowed his hire time to build a program. The Fighting Illini reaped in the rewards this Saturday in Evanston.
How could Mike Thomas justify firing a coach who built a program from rock bottom to bowl eligibility? Beckman used the time graciously allotted after two years of struggles and brought the Fighting Illini back to relevancy.
Beckman's campaign in Champaign started with a horrendous thud. He and his staff were busted in the Penn State parking lot in an attempt to recruit Nittany Lion players free to leave with the special NCAA sanctions. Just two wins and 10 losses would follow, along with a tobacco bust and the infamous "W.I.N.(T.)" line.
Year 2 wasn't much better, a 4-8 mark that brought the Fighting Illini out of the Big Ten's basement (thanks, Purdue). But Thomas believed in his hand-picked choice and allowed his a third season in Champaign.
When Beckman entered Illinois, fulfilling a dream of coaching in the Big Ten, he inherited a roster with little talent. Many of the players simply quit. With time to build, Beckman brought in people he trusts. Former Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit came in as offensive coordinator while serving as an adviser of sorts. In addition, local product Wes Lunt transferred in to join Beckman's best recruit, Aaron Bailey, and a talented offense.
Perhaps Beckman's best coup was scouting out phenomenal freshman receiver Mikey Dudek, whose offer list included Illinois, Illinois State and North Dakota. His season included 69 catches for 965 yards and six touchdowns, showing poise for a bright future.
"This was a program-changing win," Dudek said.
Beckman deflected questions of his job security, instead pointing to the players in Ryan Field's visiting locker room who celebrated their victory and extended season. Two years ago, in that very same room, Beckman pleaded to his sophomores, now seniors, to commit to the orange and blue.
With each question about Beckman, the coach pointed to the family he built -- not just his wife and two children, standing 10 feet to his right, but the entire team that's been by his side the entire rebuilding process.
"I can't tell you what that means to that football team," said Beckman.
The building blocks are in place for better days in Champaign. This 6-6 season is a great success in comparison to Beckman's first two seasons, but the Illini could be just getting started.
This is the conclusion Mike Thomas came to when he allowed Beckman a second and third season as head coach. To his credit, the faith paid off in a postseason trip to a bowl game. While Thomas has yet to make a call on the head-coaching position, Saturday's win made the decision simple: Beckman deserves to stay at Illinois.
"I'm blessed to be the head coach here," Beckman said, "and I definitely want to continue to be."
