CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas says Tim Beckman will coach the Fighting Illini again next year.

In an interview on WDWS-AM, Thomas responded Tuesday to rumors that Beckman would be dismissed after coaching the Illini to a 2-10 record this season, his first with the team. Illinois did not win a Big Ten game.

Will giving his support to Beckman, Thomas added the program will do the things needed to ``support and build the infrastructure to reach our goals on the field and off the field.''

Beckman came to Illinois from Toledo, where he rebuilt a struggling program. He replaced Ron Zook, who was fired after seven seasons during which he compiled a 34-51 record.