Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson is weighing an offer to become Illinois' defensive coordinator at an annual salary of at least $400,000, nearly twice his current salary, after meeting Saturday in Champaign with Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther, sources said.
Johnson, who met with head coach Ron Zook in Champaign several days ago, is expected to give Illinois his decision soon, presumably after seeing what incentives Penn State might come up with for its top recruiting assistant. Johnson is an accomplished recruiter in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland area that was the specialty of former Illini offensive coordinator Mike Locksley.
Johnson is paid $200,000 to $250,000 by Penn State. Illinois is prepared to pay $400,000 to $450,000 as well as give him more responsibility, sources said.
Johnson's second meeting with Illinois is seen as a sign that he's moving closer to joining Zook's staff unless Penn State comes up with a counter-offer Johnson can't resist.
Johnson, who met with head coach Ron Zook in Champaign several days ago, is expected to give Illinois his decision soon, presumably after seeing what incentives Penn State might come up with for its top recruiting assistant. Johnson is an accomplished recruiter in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland area that was the specialty of former Illini offensive coordinator Mike Locksley.
Johnson is paid $200,000 to $250,000 by Penn State. Illinois is prepared to pay $400,000 to $450,000 as well as give him more responsibility, sources said.
Johnson's second meeting with Illinois is seen as a sign that he's moving closer to joining Zook's staff unless Penn State comes up with a counter-offer Johnson can't resist.
Herb Gould started with the Sun-Times in 1977 and has covered several teams, including the Blackhawks. He is a long-time beat reporter covering the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten for the Sun-Times.
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