Illinois has reportedly reached a deal with Ohio’s John Groce to replace Bruce Weber as men’s basketball coach.

Groce took Ohio to the NCAA tournament twice, including a run to the Sweet 16 this season before the Bobcats lost to North Carolina in overtime.

Groce compiled a 85-56 record over four seasons at Ohio.

John Groce, who led Ohio to the Sweet 16 last week, is in negotiations to become the next head coach of Illinois.

Multiple sources say Groce is negotiating a contract with Illinois.

Illinois has previously been unable to convince Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens to accept the position.

Groce is known for being an elite recruiter and was critical in convincing Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. to attend Ohio State when he was an assistant.

Brad Stevens released a statement confirming he will stay at Butler in response to media reports indicating he was being pursued by Illinois.

“I am happy and extremely grateful to be the head coach at Butler University, and I am already looking forward to next season and the start of our postseason workouts in April,” Stevens said in a statement released by the school. 

Stevens owns a 139-40 record in five seasons as coach of the Bulldogs.

Illinois is targeting Brad Stevens as its next head coach, according to a report.

The Illini previously pursued Shaka Smart, who is staying at Virginia Commonwealth.

Stevens, 35, has a 139-40 record in 5 seasons at Butler and led the Bulldogs to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2010 and 2011.

Shaka Smart has turned down a $2.5 million annual offer to become the next head coach of Illinois.

Smart will remain at Virginia Commonwealth.

“I’m looking forward to building on the successes of our program and university,” Smart said in a statement released by VCU Wednesday afternoon.

Illinois fired Bruce Weber after nine years and a trip to the 2005 National Championship.

VCU coach Shaka Smart turned down Illinois' offer to become its basketball coach, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Smart, 34, had been Illinois' top choice to replace Bruce Weber, who was fired March 9.

The Sun-Times cited multiple anonymous sources saying Smart informed Illinois AD Mike Thomas of his decision.

Shaka Smart is seriously considering an offer from Illinois worth about $2.5 million a year, according to a report.

Smart last year signed an 8-year deal to coach Virginia Commonwealth.

The Rams went 29-7 this season and advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament.

Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul have submitted their names to the NBA's undergraduate advisory committee to receive feedback on their draft status, according to Illinois interim head coach Jerrance Howard.

“Meyers, I think has a chance,” Howard said. “I think it’ll be good for Brandon to see where he’s at, to see what he has to work on. I think they’re two different situations. I definitely think they are both NBA talents. They do have to work on some things. I think it’s really smart if that’s your dream and you really have a chance to go get a good feel of what people are thinking about where you could go.”

Leonard, a 7-foot-1 center, averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 rebounds per game for Illinois.

He is projected as a mid-first round selection in this year’s draft.

Duke assistant coach Chris Collins would be interested in the coaching vacancy at Illinois.

"I always pick up the phone," Collin said. "I've always been taught you never shut down any opportunities.

"Chicago is my home, I love Illinois, I have a lot of friends there. And certainly a program like that is a great program and has had a lot of success, has a lot of potential. There's no question I would definitely listen.

"I'm in a fortunate position because I have a great job, and I love being with (Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski), I love being at Duke. Yet you always want to be able to put your imprint on a program, and for me, it's just about finding the right fit – not only for me but for my family and where I feel I can be successful and have fun and enjoy what I'm doing and be at a school I can believe in. I want that. I feel I'm ready. I'm just waiting for the right opportunity."

Jabari Parker said he will still consider committing to Illinois despite the firing of coach Bruce Weber.

"I was very disappointed," Parker said. "That was a person who first recruited me growing up. I feel like if the [new] coach there tried to recruit me they wouldn't have a better relationship than [Weber] had. That really plays a key.

"They'll still be in the mix because what we haven't been looking at is making our own state good," he added. "A lot of players they leave to go to these Kentucky's and Duke's, but they don't see the state and representing the area they're from."

Parker, the nation’s No. 1 junior, is mulling offers from Northwestern, Kentucky, Duke, Michigan State, North Carolina and Ohio State.