Illinois’ Brad Underwood gets contract extension through 2032

Illinois coach Brad Underwood, coming off of a Final Four appearance last month, has received a contract extension through the 2031-32 season, the university announced on Thursday.

Specific terms for Underwood’s deal, which could extend his existing six-year contract through June 2036 based on the Fighting Illini’s performance over the next four seasons, were not disclosed. His salary for last season was $4.5 million plus bonuses.

“The agreement would also include updated financial terms that would solidify Underwood among the highest paid coaches in college basketball,” the university said in a news release on Thursday.

The new contract is pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees at its May 21 meeting.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our administration, led by (athletic director) Josh Whitman, for their continued belief in our vision and culture and what we’ve built together,” Underwood, 62, said in the news release. “This new contract reflects the hard work and achievements of our players, coaches and staff, as well as the incredibly loyal fans and donors who support us.”

The Fighting Illini went 28-9 last season, including runner-up in the Big Ten at 15-5. Illinois defeated Penn (105-70), VCU (76-55), Houston (65-55) and Iowa (71-59) before falling to UConn (71-62) in the NCAA Tournament semifinals on April 4.

Underwood is 193-110 overall, 107-71 in the Big Ten Conference, with six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in nine seasons at Illinois (2017-present). There was no NCAA Tournament in 2020 due to COVID-19, when the team was 21-10.

The Fighting Illini won the conference tournament in 2021 and 2024 and the regular-season title in 2022.

“Illinois is a special place, and we’re coming off a special year with a trip to the Final Four,” Underwood said. “But we know there is still more to achieve. Our focus remains competing at the highest level in pursuit of a national championship. I am more motivated than ever to help bring that title home to the University of Illinois.”

He has a career mark of 302-137 in 13 seasons, including one at Oklahoma State (20-13 in 2016-17) and three at Stephen F. Austin (89-14 from 2013-16).

“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,” Whitman said in the news release. “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.”

–Field Level Media