Brad Underwood agrees to new contract terms following Illinois' Final
Four run
[May 16, 2026]
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Illinois and coach Brad Underwood have agreed to
new financial terms on his current six-year contract that runs through
2031-32, and the deal could extend through 2035-36 based on the team's
performance over the next four seasons.
Athletic director Josh Whitman made the announcement Thursday, about six
weeks after the Illini's season ended with the program's first NCAA
Final Four appearance in 21 years. Contract terms were not announced.
The agreement requires approval of university trustees. |
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches froom the sidelines during
the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game
against UConn at the Final Four, April 4, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP
Photo/Michael Conroy, File) |
|
“Thanks to Brad Underwood‘s tireless leadership and relentless
pursuit of championships, our men’s basketball program has
established itself as one of the nation’s premier programs while
rewriting much of our record book,” Whitman said. “He has
revitalized a proud fan base and elevated our program to new
heights while competing in the most dynamic, high-stakes
environment in college sports history."
The Illini won the fourth-most games in program history with an
overall record of 29-8 and they finished in a three-way tie for
second in the Big Ten at 15-5. They won each of their first four
NCAA Tournament games by double digits before losing 71-62 to
UConn in the national semifinals.
“Illinois is a special place, and we’re coming off a special
year with a trip to the Final Four," Underwood said. “But we
know there is still more to achieve. Our focus remains competing
at the highest level in pursuit of a national championship. I am
more motivated than ever to help bring that title home to the
University of Illinois.”
Underwood is 193-110 in nine seasons at Illinois with six
straight NCAA appearances.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
|
