MENS BASKETBALL

Underwood signs new deal

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Illinois has locked in its men's basketball coach for the long term, agreeing to a six-year contract with Brad Underwood.

Illinois rewarded Underwood for an eight-year run that includes five NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the Elite Eight.

Underwood is locked in through the 2030-31 season. The contract is pending approval by the university's board of trustees on May 22.

Underwood's salary would start at $4.4 million and would be eligible for four one-year extensions if performance benchmarks are met, as well as annual retention incentives starting next July 1.

For Underwood, they would begin at $1.15 million.

Underwood praised his program's “alignment” with athletic director Josh Whitman, the administration and trustees.

“That foundation created the environment where — led by all the tremendous players we've had along with a group of talented assistant coaches and a dedicated staff — we have been able to achieve success,” he said.

Underwood is 165-101 overall at Illinois and 92-66 in Big Ten play, with three league championships. He and Lou Henson are the only Illini coaches with at least five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Illinois was also on track to make the 2020 tournament that was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Illini won 22 games last season after losing five starters and the top eight scorers from a team that reached the Elite Eight in 2024.

Underwood has a 274-128 record in 12 seasons as a head coach, including three at Stephen F. Austin and one at Oklahoma State.

May 13, 2025