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People keep asking me if Bruce Weber is fighting for his job as Illinois’ basketball coach. And if he should be.
Most of them use that word associated with pyrotechnics. And they use it with relish.
It’s always complicated with the Illini. But the answers are: Yes, it’s possible Weber will be fired if Illinois doesn’t put together a strong finish, beginning with a home game Tuesday against No. 9 Michigan State. And, yes, it would be an understandable call, given where the program is at.
I say that reluctantly because Weber is a good man and good coach, a fine ambassador who does things the right way. The trouble is, as with former Illini football coach Ron Zook last fall, eroding support from the fan base can’t be ignored.