Basketball
Illini coach Brad Underwood signs massive contract extension
The Illini have thrived under Underwood’s incredible leadership and resolve.
Athletic Director Josh Whitman secured Brad Underwood for the long term as well. Underwood signed a new contract extension to remain the Illini’s head coach through the 2030–2031 season, adding three more years to his current contract that was set to expire in 2028. Throughout his 8 years with Illinois basketball, Underwood has accrued a 165-101 overall record and a 92-66 record in conference play. He has led the team to six (counting the tournament cancelled by COVID) NCAA tournament appearances and two Big Ten tournament championships. Besides Purdue coach Matt Painter, Underwood is the winningest coach in the Big Ten over the past five years.
He also has adapted well to the world of NIL and the transfer portal. Brad Underwood has completely shifted his recruiting mindset and has the Illini reeling in top talent from both the transfer portal and from the international ranks. Doing so has completely elevated the talent level at Illinois and made them a consistent Big Ten contender.
Details of the salary
Underwood’s starting annual salary will be $4.4 million, including performance incentives and bonuses. Although he will no longer rank among the top 20 highest-paid coaches during the 2025–26 season, he will have the opportunity for annual raises. The Kansas native took over at Illinois in 2017 and has transformed the basketball program from a Big Ten bottom-dweller to a powerhouse. Underwood boasts one Big Ten regular-season championship, two Big Ten Tournament titles, and an Elite Eight appearance.
