Report: Details on Brad Underwood contract extension revealed
According to a report on Wednesday, contract extension details for coach Brad Underwood’s new deal with Illinois have been revealed. His new contract extension will be for six years, coming in at over $29 million dollars. The extension will take him through the 2027-28 season.
Brad Underwood’s extension details
“Brad Underwood’s contract extension at Illinois is for six years and over $29 million dollars,” explained CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. “Illinois’ Brad Underwood has received a contract extension through the 2027-28 season, per release.”
Since taking over as head coach in 2017, Underwood has led the Fighting Illini to a 94-66 record over the past five seasons, and two-straight NCAA Tournament appearances over the past two years. In both tournaments, Illinois advanced to the second round before falling. The 2020 NCAA Tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Illinois finished that season ranked No. 23 in the nation. Now, Illinois has locked down Underwood for another six seasons to allow him to continue on their current trajectory.
“Brad Underwood has led a remarkable resurgence of our men’s basketball program,” said University of Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “Under his strong leadership, we have won Big Ten championships, posted one of the best three-year runs in the history of Fighting Illini men’s basketball and the Big Ten Conference, and reestablished ourselves on the national stage.
“Our work is far from finished, and Brad and I are hungry to continue on our upward trajectory next year and in the years beyond, but the foundation has been laid for sustained success long into the future. I am grateful to Brad, Susan, and the entire Underwood family for their commitment to the University of Illinois, and I couldn’t be more excited about continuing our journey together.”
Additional details for Underwood’s contract state that the proposed contract allows for an annual $300,000 increase in base pay, with a $200,000 increase in retention bonus. The proposed deal is guaranteed through the next four seasons, and will include bonus opportunities for higher NCAA Tournament finishes.