The University of Illinois is spending more than $20 million to hire Lovie Smith its new football coach.
And university leaders say they anticipated questions about the money as the state government struggles through tough financial times.
Smith was hired Monday and will be paid $21 million over six years in base salary alone.
University officials say the money comes from donations and sports-related revenue. It does not include tuition or funding that the school typically would get from the state.
The state budget standoff means the university isn't getting any of the state money this year anyway.
University President Timothy Killeen says he's comfortable with spending the money to build up the football program.
