(AP) - Illinois has hired Toledo's Tim Beckman as its head football coach.
     
An official at the University of Toledo who spoke on condition of anonymity because Beckman's hiring hasn't been announced by Illinois has confirmed that he told his players Friday that he has taken the Illini job.
     
Beckman replaces Ron Zook who was fired late last month after seven seasons.
     
Beckman comes to Illinois after three seasons at Toledo. He led the Rockets to a 21-16 record and two bowl bids. That includes this season's 8-4 team that will play in the Military Bowl against Air Force. Beckman will not coach that game.
     
The Illini were 6-6 this season, including a six-game losing streak. They will play in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Dec. 31 against UCLA.