CARBONDALE, Ill. -- It's already been a busy day for Southern Illinois sports information director Tom Weber.

The Salukis named Dale Lennon as its new football coach in the afternoon. Lennon, formerly of the U of North Dakota, replaces Jerry Kill, who moved to Northern Illinois University earlier this month.

Lennon is being brought in to keep the Salukis among the national elite. Kill resurrected a stagnant program in his seven seasons, taking the Salukis to the FCS semifinals this season.

Lennon was 90-14 in nine years at UND, including five conference championships, seven playoff appearances and one Div. II championship.