If the Illinois basketball program is considered a rebuilding job, assembling the coaching staff seems like an even tougher task.
Everything appeared to be falling into place for new coach John Groce. In the last six weeks, he had brought in two transfers and added Isaac Chew as a top assistant.
But as Groce works to introduce himself to the community and impress recruits, he now must also find a replacement for Chew, who decided this week to leave for Marquette after only six weeks on the job. Chew jumped for a better position and more money, according to a source.
Groce declined to comment, but an Illinois spokesman said Groce is comfortable taking his time to find the right fit, which could take a few weeks.
Chew’s ties to Chicago — he graduated from Wells High School — were considered a valuable source for Groce, so it would make sense to find a replacement with similar links.
Groce also had to find a replacement for Ramon Williams, who had coached at Ohio and DePaul. He left for a higher position at Virginia Tech. Brandon Miller, a former Ohio State assistant, is expected to take over for Williams and could see a bump in his status at Illinois.
Some possible candidates Groce might be contacting are familiar with Illinois and Chicago.
Paris Parham, a former Illinois State assistant, has strong connections to the Chicago Public League, having coached at Morgan Park.
Florida State assistant Dennis Gates played at Young and is considered a strong recruiter. Former Illini star Deon Thomas, who is coaching at Lewis and Clark in Godfrey, Ill., also could be a candidate.
Simeon High School coach Robert Smith, who had lobbied for the head coaching job at Illinois when it was vacant, is not expected to be interviewed, a source said.
Twitter @sryantribune
