Illinois has rewarded men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood with a three-year contract extension, recognizing his impressive run of five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and six straight 20-win seasons. The extension secures Underwood through the 2030-31 season.
Athletic director Josh Whitman announced Tuesday that Underwood’s salary will rise to $4.4 million for the upcoming season. The deal, pending approval from the university’s Board of Trustees on May 22, includes several financial incentives—among them a $1.15 million retention bonus starting July 1, 2026, a one-time signing bonus, and a range of performance-based bonuses.
Underwood, 61, has compiled a 165-101 (.620) record over eight seasons in Champaign. The Illini are one of just four Division I programs entering the 2025-26 season with at least six straight 20-win regular seasons. During Underwood’s tenure, Illinois has captured two Big Ten Tournament titles (2021 and 2024), a Big Ten regular-season title in 2022, and reached the Elite Eight in 2024—the program’s deepest tournament run since its national runner-up finish in 2005.
“It continues to be a privilege to lead this program,” Underwood said in a statement. “Walking out of the State Farm Center tunnel to a packed house and the Orange Krush is a feeling like no other. The passion of our fans—home and away—is unmatched, and the support from our community and donors has been incredible. I’m excited for what’s ahead as we keep pushing toward a national championship.”
Underwood’s new agreement also includes the option for up to four additional one-year extensions based on the team’s performance after the 2031 season.
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