Shannon Ryan

Shannon Ryan is a former Chicago Tribune sports writer.

The Northwestern football team takes the field for a 2018 game at Ryan Field.

(John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Mike Polisky named new Northwestern athletic director despite some internal opposition

May 3, 2021 at 2:29 p.m.

Northwestern announced Mike Polisky as its new athletic director Monday despite some internal resistance to the selection. Polisky replaces Jim Phillips, who left after more than a decade in February...

Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs sets up on defense during the second half against Rutgers on Nov. 2, 2019, in Champaign.

Illinois CB Nate Hobbs and Northwestern DE Earnest Brown IV are selected in the 5th round of the NFL draft, followed by a long list of undrafted signings for both schools

May 2, 2021 at 1:20 p.m.

Cornerback Nate Hobbs became the second Illinois player taken in the NFL draft, selected Saturday in the fifth round at No. 167 by the Las Vegas Raiders. Teammate Kendrick Green,...

Illinois running back Reggie Corbin, left, and offensive lineman Kendrick Green walk off the field after losing 49-20 to Wisconsin.

Illinois offensive lineman Kendrick Green goes to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round of the NFL draft

May 2, 2021 at 1:13 p.m.

Illinois offensive lineman Kendrick Green was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft Friday night. Surrounded by friends and family in his hometown of...

Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater, right, greets NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was chosen with the 13th pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL football draft Thursday April 29, 2021, in Cleveland.

Northwestern makes history with 2 players drafted in the 1st round after OL Rashawn Slater is picked at No. 13 and CB Greg Newsome II at No. 26

April 30, 2021 at 1:12 p.m.

On Thursday night Northwestern had two players drafted in the first round for the first time in team history. Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, one of 12 players on site...

Illinois guard Da'Monte Williams reacts to being called for a foul against Rutgers in the Big Ten Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis.

Illinois guard Da’Monte Williams will return for a 5th season in Champaign

April 28, 2021 at 11:11 p.m.

Illinois guard Da'Monte Williams announced Wednesday he will return for a fifth season of eligibility next season. Williams' announcement through the Illinois athletic department follows that of fellow senior Trent...

Illinois assistant coach Orlando Antigua raises a piece of the net after the Illini beat Ohio State 91-88 in the Big Ten Tournament championship game March 14, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois assistants Orlando Antigua and Chin Coleman reportedly are candidates to join Kentucky’s coaching staff

April 27, 2021 at 10:37 p.m.

Illinois' offseason immediately was filled with speculation about whether its star men's basketball players would return next season. The attention has turned to Illini coaches. Reports have surfaced about top...

Loyola guard Lucas Williamson reacts following his team's victory against Georgia Tech in the first round game of the NCAA Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on March 19, 2021.

Lucas Williamson is 1 of 4 Loyola seniors to announce his return for an extra season of eligibility — a boost for new coach Drew Valentine

April 23, 2021 at 10:31 p.m.

Loyola guard Lucas Williamson was one of four key players who announced his return for an extra season of eligibility, the team announced Friday. Seniors Aher Uguak, Keith Clemons and...

Loyola center Cameron Krutwig (25) drives under Roman Silva of Oregon State during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on March 27, 2021.

Cameron Krutwig will forgo his final season of eligibility with Loyola to pursue a professional basketball career

April 22, 2021 at 9:39 p.m.

Loyola center Cameron Krutwig on Thursday announced he will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the NBA draft. Krutwig will be remembered as one of the most significant...

State Sen. Napoleon Harris, D-Harvey, addresses south suburban educators on Aug. 6, 2019, at South Suburban College in South Holland. Napoleon is a candidate to take over as Northwestern's athletic director.

Northwestern AD search: Former Wildcats Anucha Browne and Napoleon Harris III among the candidates

April 21, 2021 at 11:54 a.m.

Northwestern is in the thick of the process of choosing an athletic director to replace Jim Phillips, having interviewed nearly a dozen candidates, according to a source. The university appears...

Drew Valentine before being introduced as the new Loyola head coach at Gentile Arena on April 6, 2021.

Drew Valentine’s 1st Loyola basketball coaching staff includes former assistants from South Alabama and Cincinnati and a former Division I head coach

April 20, 2021 at 9:20 p.m.

Loyola basketball coach Drew Valentine announced his first staff Tuesday. Assistant coaches Amorrow Morgan, Sean Dwyer and Patrick Wallace, special adviser to the head coach Dan Hipsher, director of basketball...

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