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BU is sticking around in Champaign.
Illinois announced it extended men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood’s contract to keep him with the Illini through the 2026-27 season.
The deal is pending approval at a UI Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 23.
The contract will move his total annual compensation into the top 10 nationally and is fully guaranteed through the next four seasons.
It also includes bonus opportunities for advancing in the NCAA Tournament and other metrics.
“It was just four years ago that we brought Coach Underwood here with the vision he and I shared of returning Illinois Basketball to national prominence, and he has delivered,” said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman in a statement. “I am excited to continue working alongside him on this journey and look forward to his leadership over these next six years and beyond.”
Looking forward to sharing more of these moments @CoachUnderwood! Thankful for your hard work and leadership. Grateful for your loyalty and commitment. Appreciative of your partnership and friendship. The best is yet to come! #ILLINI #biggerringsforbiggerthings pic.twitter.com/mPj77G9Zdq
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) September 16, 2021
Underwood snapped the Illini’s tourney drought last season as Illinois earned a No. 1 seed. Illinois’ 29-11 Big Ten record over the past two seasons is also the best mark in the conference.
Great move. One of the top coaches in the country! Been saying this for years. Hold on to this man as long as we can! Hopefully @tyunderwoodILL sticks around a little longer too https://t.co/F3OmJkedjZ
— Drew (@drew_cayce) September 16, 2021
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be the head coach here at the University of Illinois,” Underwood said. “The history, the players, and the passionate fan base are part of what makes this job so special.”