Illinois, Underwood agree to new 6-year deal
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood agreed to a new six-year contract to remain with the program through the 2030-31 season, the team announced Tuesday.
Underwood's new deal will be worth $38 million over the six years, according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
The 61-year-old has been with the Fighting Illini since 2017, leading them to a 165-101 record through eight seasons. He has also guided the program to five straight NCAA Tournaments, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2024.
"Since Brad's arrival, he has rebuilt our proud program and reestablished Illinois as a perennial contender for the Big Ten championship and a regular presence in the NCAA Tournament," Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. "Against the backdrop of intense change transforming college athletics, he holds steadfast to his core values while continuing to evolve and adapt his program to compete at the highest level."
Illinois is 81-39 in Big Ten play across the last six years, tied for the most wins in the conference. The Fighting Illini also have the most conference road wins (34) and are the only program to hold a winning record in Big Ten competition in each of the last six years.
"It remains an honor to serve as the head coach at the University of Illinois," Underwood said. "Every night when I walk out that State Farm Center tunnel and see the sold-out crowd and am greeted by the Orange Krush, I feel that I'm the most fortunate coach in all of college basketball. The tremendous passion of our fans is felt everywhere, both at home and on the road. ... I look forward to many more exciting years ahead as we all continue to work relentlessly in pursuing a national championship for the Fighting Illini."
Underwood has led Illinois to two Big Ten Tournament titles (2021, 2024) and a Big Ten regular-season crown in 2022.