Indications point to Ohio coach John Groce arriving in Champaign on Tuesday to become the next Illinois basketball coach, according to Tribune sources.
A flight from the Illinois airport to the Ohio University airport in Athens, Ohio, was scheduled to land at 1:47 p.m. CST. The Illinois spokesman said he was not aware of any developments in the hiring process, and said no news conference was scheduled.
Sources said Croce was expected to get the job, barring unforeseen circumstances arising. Athletic director Mike Thomas did not return a text message from the Tribune.
Groce, who has coached at Ohio since 2008, has led the Bobcats to two of the last three NCAA tournaments. They played in the Sweet 16 this season after beating Michigan and South Florida.
Groce’s MAC background falls in line with athletic director Mike Thomas’ hiring history. He has ties to the Big Ten as an assistant under Thad Matta at Ohio State.
Illinois initially offered the job to Virginia Commonwealth’s Shaka Smart and Butler’s Brad Stevens, who turned down the job, according to sources.
Thomas fired coach Bruce Weber on March 9 after nine seasons.