Illinois Volleyball coach Chris Tamas signs extension through 2028-2029

NEWS: Illinois volleyball coach Chris Tamas has signed an extension heading into the 2028-2029 season. The 2026 season will be Tamas’ 10th leading the Illini program.

Overall, Tamas is 162-110, including a 98-80 in Big Ten play. With one NCAA tournament in the past four years, however, expectations are rather high in Champaign for Illinois Volleyball. In fact, athletic Director Josh Whitman said as much during his media roundtable earlier this summer.

From Josh Whitman’s Roundtable in June 2026

“I think if Chris were sitting here, he and I would both say that we expect to perform better, that we’d like to see the program reach a higher level,” Whitman said. “Of course, we haven’t had as much postseason success in recent years as we’ve come to expect with that sport in particular. We’re really proud to have such a rich history and tradition in volleyball, but I think we also have to acknowledge that we’re competing in the strongest volleyball conference that’s ever been, and we’re competing essentially in the middle of the pack. Some years, we’re able to pop up above that and move up a spot or two, and some years we’re knocked back a rung or two, but we’re right in the middle.”

Whitman added, “Our obligation, Chris’ expectation, is that we’ll perform better, but I would also say that that’s not solely his responsibility. We have an obligation as an administration to be supportive and part of the problem-solving process for these coaches. And so is volleyball performing at the level we’d like it to? No. Are there a lot of reasons for that? Yes. And Chris and I and our staff, we are all dedicated to working together to try and see that program grow.”

Be tuned into Armchair Illini for more Illini volleyball coverage this coming season. The season starts officially on August 28th at home vs Cincinnati. There is also an exhibition that is free admission on Sunday, August 16th at Huff Hall.

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