Ohio coach John Groce continues to be the top focus for the Illinois search, but a deal has not been struck. A number of sources close to Groce said the two sides are negotiating. Groce spent Tuesday morning calling close confidants about the Illinois job and was prepared to accept if offered. But according to an Illinois spokesperson, athletic director Mike Thomas has reiterated the process is not over and there is no set timeline on hiring a coach. The spokesperson said Illinois will not rush into this decision, despite pressure to get a deal done after public rejections from VCU's Shaka Smart and Butler's Brad Stevens.
