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A Phoenix Has Decided To Fly North: Matt Bollant Accepts Illinois Coaching Position

By Mike Robinson
Sources tell us that Matt Bollant will be introduced as the new coach of the Illinois women's basketball team today. <em>Reid Compton-US PRESSWIRE</em>
Sources tell us that Matt Bollant will be introduced as the new coach of the Illinois women's basketball team today. Reid Compton-US PRESSWIRE

While it was a foregone conclusion that former Wisconsin-Green Bay coach Matt Bollant, would most likely end up at a BCS school: The lingering question was, “Where?”

Many assumed that Bollant would end up at Indiana as he was a former assistant under Kathi Bennett. But Illinois AD Mike Thomas--who has been under a lot of scrutiny for how he’s handled the men’s basketball search--struck gold in luring Bollant to Champaign.

Bollant brings instant name recognition and a stellar track record for success in his five year tenure at Wisconsin Green-Bay: 148-19 (88.6%) record, a top 10 ranking in 2011 and 2012, 4 NCAA tournament appearances with a sweet sixteen showing in 2011, 5 Horizon League regular season titles, 4 Horizon League tournament titles, 4-time Horizon League Coach of the Year and also named Kay Yow National Coach of the Year in 2011.

A press conference to introduce the new Illini coach is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. CST.

For more on the Illinois situation and how Bollant fits, visit our previous breakdown of the candidates for the position.

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