Loyola's John Holecek on Lovie Smith hiring at Illinois

Share

It didn't take Loyola Academy head coach — and former Fighting Illini linebacker — John Holecek very long to express his opinion of the hiring of former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith today when asked.

"I love it for the school," Holecek said. "Coach (Lovie) Smith brings instant credibility to the football program."

Holecek (110-24 record at Loyola over 10 seasons), who led the Ramblers to a perfect 14-0 season and the 2015 Class 8A state title, has heard some of the questions regarding the hiring of Smith — most of them revolving around how effective can Smith and his staff recruit.

"Like everyone else, I'm very interested to see who he adds to his coaching staff," Holecek said. "I just think that Illinois will have an easier time recruiting with Coach Smith in charge. With Lovie Smith you gain immediate attention, not just locally but nationally. He's a recognizable name and face and he's just a well respected man."

"99 percent of kids recruited these days think they will all play in the NFL. Who would be a better coach to evaluate and mentor those same than Coach Smith? That's another big advantage for Illinois."

Holecek has been dealing with players, parents and college coaches with the recruiting process over the past decade. What advice could Holecek offer Smith from a high school coach's perspective?

"I'm the last person in the world to offer Coach Smith any advice, but I guess the best thing I would tell him would be to just be yourself," Holecek said. "Spend time with the kids and the parents and be genuine and honest with them. Coach Smith just needs to be himself and he will do a great job for Illinois. I'm excited about the move for Illinois."

Contact Us