Emma: Beckman Staying At Illinois

By Chris Emma-

(CBS) -- Illinois will retain football coach Tim Beckman, a university source said early Sunday afternoon. Athletic director Mike Thomas later confirmed the news in a statement.

Beckman earned the right to return after Illinois' 47-33 win over rival Northwestern on Saturday, bringing the Fighting Illini to 6-6 on the season and making them bowl eligible. In his three years as coach, Beckman has a record of 12-24, but has brought the program from two wins in his first year to four in 2013 and six this season.

"It was important to see improvement in our football program this season," Thomas said in the statement. "It's my expectation that with the upcoming bowl and another off-season of development, that Tim's continued leadership will keep Fighting Illini football moving forward and even more competitive in the conference and nationally."

Fighting Illini coaches are currently on the road for recruiting, with the exception of Beckman, who met with Thomas on Sunday morning.

A report from FootballScoop.com suggests that Thomas is considering a contract extension for Beckman in order to ensure he has one more year of security added for recruiting purposes. Beckman is finishing the third year of a five-year deal.

Beckman has been on the hot seat since his first season at Illinois, where he started with a 2-10 campaign. The Fighting Illini failed to win a Big Ten game under Beckman in their first 14 games. However, this season, the team won three conference games.

Asked about job security after Saturday's win in Evanston, Beckman deflected the focus to his team's victory.

"I'm blessed to be the head coach here," Beckman said, "and I definitely want to continue to be."