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According to a press release from the Illinois Athletic Department, Fighting Illini baseball coach Dan Hartleb has agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep him Champaign through the 2020 season. Specific details surrounding the contract haven't been made available as it's still pending approval from the Board of Trustees, but according to David Mercer, the deal will be worth $290,000 per year (increase from $155,000 per year).
This extension was an absolute no-brainer for Athletic Director Mike Thomas. Hartleb led the Illini to their best season in program history, which included a 50-10-1 overall record and a first-ever NCAA Super Regional appearance.
Statement from Mike Thomas:
"I'm excited about where Dan and his staff have our baseball program, which is on top of the Big Ten and among the nation's best. Dan is committed to developing our student-athletes into fine young men, on and off the field, and sets a great example with his tireless work in the community. We all look forward to the future of Fighting Illini Baseball under Dan's leadership."
~ Mike Thomas
Statement from Dan Hartleb:
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue to build our baseball program at the University of Illinois. Both the University of Illinois and Champaign-Urbana community are very important parts of our family's lives. I know Gina, Zak and Haley are also very excited to remain a part of the Fighting Illini family and this outstanding and supportive community. Mike Thomas has made a tremendous commitment to our family as well as our program to allow us to continue to push forward in building a consistent championship contending program."
~ Dan Hartleb
Overall, Hartleb just completed his 25th season as a member of the Illinois coaching staff (10th as head coach); he ranks third in school history with 326 career victories. He's also won a pair of Big Ten titles (2011, 2015) while guiding the Illini to the NCAA Regionals in three of the past five years (2011, 2013, 2015).
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