Illini to extend Cubit's contract through 2015

Credited with jump-starting a once anemic Illini offense, Illinois offensive coordinator Bill Cubit

has agreed to a pay raise and a one-year contract extension through the 2015 season, head coach Tim Beckman announced Wednesday.

Beckman is recommending Cubit's annual salary be boosted to $500,000 per year, and the extension is pending UI board of trustees approval.

“Bill Cubit proved to us why he is considered one of the top offensive coaches in the nation after our offense made dramatic improvement from 2012,” Beckman said in a statement released Monday. “His coaching and play-calling experience was a terrific addition to the program a year ago, and this assures continuity at a very critical position on the staff.”

Under Cubit. the team's total offense improved from 296.7 yards per game in 2012 to 426.7 yards per game in 2013. Senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase improved from an average of 136.1 passing yards a game to a Big Ten-leading 272.7 passing yards per game. In NCAA rankings, the Illini improved 95 places (from 120th to 25th) in first downs per game.