John Groce Signs One-Year Extension

So much for there not being any Illini news in July, huh? Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball coach John Groce just signed an extension, making him the head coach through at least the 2018-19 season. He also gets a $100K raise, bumping his yearly salary up to $1.7 million. That's pretty strong incentive to stay in Champaign.

Here's what AD Mike Thomas had to say about the extension:

"John Groce has done an excellent job in his first two years as Illinois basketball coach, so we are pleased to extend his contract and continue our commitment to him and this program in its pursuit of championships."

"He has been tremendous in every facet of the job, from coaching and mentoring our players to recruiting, supporting the academic mission of our university, assisting in the State Farm Center renovation project, being involved in the community and engaging with our outstanding fans. The future is bright for Fighting Illini basketball under Coach Groce’s leadership."

It's nice feeling really confident about a flagship program coach. I hope these warm and fuzzies never fade.

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