Illinois fires Bruce Weber after 9 seasons

(AP) CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois fired coach Bruce Weber on Friday after three lackluster seasons and a 17-15 record this year that included an ugly 2-12 skid to close the season.

The school announced the firing at a news conference where athletic director Mike Thomas says fans expect the team to be "a factor" in the Big Ten and the "national conscience" each season.

Weber spent nine years at Illinois and led the Illini to the 2005 NCAA title game, losing to North Carolina. He finished 210-101at Illinois, trailing only Lou Henson and Harry Combes in wins at the school. His teams were just 55-66 in the conference over the last six seasons.

Weber is the third head coach fired by Thomas. Football coach Ron Zook lost his job last fall after losing six straight games to close the regular season and women's basketball coach Jolette Law was fired last week.