Bill Cubit was named offensive coordinator Monday by coach Tim Beckman, confirming speculation that Cubit, who was fired after eight years as Western Michigan head coach, would be coming to Champaign.

             ``I'm very excited to have an experienced coach like Bill Cubit join the staff,'' Beckman said in a news release. ``He's has always been known to have an outstanding football mind. Bill has had many extremely productive offensive teams during his career. He has called plays for many years, and has developed several outstanding quarterbacks.''

            Cubit, 59, succeeds co-coordinators Chris Beatty, who was fired, Billy Gonzales, who coach wide receivers.

            ``I have a lot of respect for Tim and his teams,'' said Cubit, who was 51-47 at Western Michigan. ``I'm enthused about joining a great staff and being a part of the Illinois football tradition. I look forward to getting to work immediately and competing for a Big Ten championship.''

            Under Cubit in 2011, Western Michigan finished 18th in the nation in points (35.3) and 19th in total offense (458.5 yards per game).

            Presumably, the hiring of Cubit will help Beckman clear up one of his public-relations no-fly zones. Late in the season, eyebrows were raised when Beckman said Beatty called plays on first and second downs, while Gonzales handled third down.