Report: Ohio Coach John Groce Becomes Leading Candidate To Take Over At Illinois

Ohio University coach John Groce has become the leading candidate to replace Bruce Weber as head coach of Illinois, according to Jeffe Goodman of CBSSports.com.

Groce led the Bobcats to the Sweet 16 this season. The Illini also targeted Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart, but he turned down the offer.

Goodman is also reporting that Butler coach Brad Stevens was contacted and also declined the job.