May 14—CHAMPAIGN — Brad Underwood has agreed to new terms in relation to his existing six-year contract, the University of Illinois announced on Thursday, with the Illinois men's basketball coach potentially locked in through the 2035-36 season based on the program's continued success.
Underwood's new contract will run through the 2031-32 season, tacking on another year. Illinois' on-court performance during the next four seasons could keep him in Champaign for the rest of the next decade.
The amended contract will also include an undisclosed raise for the 62-year-old Underwood that would make him among the highest paid college basketball coaches in the country.
Last year's contract extension set Underwood's base salary at $4.4 million annually and included a $1 million signing bonus paid out last June. His total compensation placed him 12th among college basketball coaches. Underwood is currently due another $1.15 million retention bonus on July 1.
Underwood's amended and potentially extended contract is pending university Board of Trustees approval at its May 21 meeting.
"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," Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement on Thursday. "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.
"Brad's 'Everyday Guy' mentality is emblematic of our University and broader community, and it is an honor to continue partnering with him on this journey. My thanks to Brad, (his wife) Susan and their family for trusting us and believing in the inspiring, influential, and successful future of the University of Illinois and Illini athletics."
Underwood has posted a 193-110 overall record and 107-71 mark in Big Ten play in nine seasons at Illinois. The Illini have made six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Elite Eight in 2024 and the Final Four this past season.
The past seven seasons encompass Illinois' resurgence to Big Ten and national prominence. The Illini's 96-44 conference record in that span includes the most total wins in the league as well as the most conference road wins (42). Those 96 Big Ten victories also mark the best seven-year run in the conference in program history, with Illinois also winning three Big Ten championships — one regular season, two tournament — in Underwood's tenure.
"I'm incredibly grateful to our administration, led by Josh Whitman, for their continued belief in our vision and culture and what we've built together," Underwood said in a statement. "This new contract reflects the hard work and achievements of our players, coaches and staff, as well as the incredibly loyal fans and donors who support us.
"Illinois is a special place, and we're coming off a special year with a trip to the Final Four. 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."
