The Illinois Fighting Illini like head basketball coach Brad Underwood, and they have plenty of reason to.
He’s led them to a 193-110 record since taking over in 2017 and he’s had the Illini humming since at least 2020.
This past season, Underwood and the Illini made it to the Final Four. It was the program’s first Final Four since 2005 and just its third in this modern era of college basketball.
Underwood, 62, has seemingly figured out the NIL and transfer portal era, and he has Illinois set to remain a contender for the foreseeable future, especially in the Big Ten.
As such, it’s no big surprise that the Illini have given Underwood a contract extension. It’s a big one, too.
Brad Underwood is looking at a huge pay day
Depending on team performance over the next four seasons, this extension of his existing six-year deal could run through June 2036. At the very least, he’s locked in with the Illini through 2032, and he is expected to receive updated financial terms that will make him among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball.
“Thanks to Brad Underwood’s tireless leadership and relentless pursuit of championships, our men’s basketball program has established itself as one of the nation’s premier programs while rewriting much of our record book,” said athletic director Josh Whitman in a statement.
“He has revitalized a proud fan base and elevated our program to new heights while competing in the most dynamic, high-stakes environment in college sports history. Brad’s ‘Every Day Guy’ mentality is emblematic of our University and broader community, and it is an honor to continue partnering with him on this journey. My thanks to Brad, Susan, and their family for trusting us and believing in the inspiring, influential, and successful future of the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Athletics.”
