A person familiar with the decision says Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber has been fired after nine seasons.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the move hasn't been announced.

The Illini lost in the first round of the Big Ten tournament on Thursday, beaten by Iowa 64-61. It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season that in early January had the Illini in the Top 25 and atop the Big Ten. Illinois lost 12 of their last 14.

Weber had led the Illini to the 2005 NCAA title game, losing to North Carolina. But Illinois has struggled the last three seasons.