The Tuesday evening news dump got even better for Illinois.
Within minutes of each other, both Illinois football coach Bret Bielema and Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood are set to receive six-year extensions.
For Underwood, he is set to receive $4.4 million this season and beyond as he has guided the Illini to five consecutive NCAA Tournament (not including COVID) to continue to push toward a national title.
“On behalf of my wife Susan and our entire family, a sincere thank you to all who make Illinois such a special place,” Underwood said in a statement. “We have tremendous alignment here, starting with our outstanding athletic director Josh Whitman and from the University administration and Board of 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. I want to thank everyone who has been part of our program for their buy-in and commitment to winning.”
Underwood reassured the fanbase he isn’t going anywhere.
“It remains an honor to serve as the head coach at the University of Illinois,” Underwood added. “Every night when I walk out that State Farm Center tunnel and see the sold-out crowd and am greeted by the Orange Krush, I feel that I’m the most fortunate coach in all of college basketball. The tremendous passion of our fans is felt everywhere, both at home and on the road. The support we receive from our fans and donors is truly unmatched. I look forward to many more exciting years ahead as we all continue to work relentlessly in pursuing a national championship for the Fighting Illini.”
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Athletic Director Josh Whitman was extremely complimentary of Underwood’s achievements thus far and looks forward to the program’s immediate future.
“I am grateful to Brad and Susan for their commitment to the University of Illinois and Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball,” Whitman said. “Since Brad’s arrival, he has rebuilt our proud program and reestablished Illinois as a perennial contender for the Big Ten championship and a regular presence in the NCAA Tournament. Against the backdrop of intense change transforming college athletics, he holds steadfast to his core values while continuing to evolve and adapt his program to compete at the highest level. Brad has become a trusted friend, and I look forward to partnering with him to realize the full potential of our men’s basketball program in the years ahead.”
Underwood is two years removed from an Elite Eight appearance, as Illinois fell short this past season in the Round of 32.
With the production the team has been able to obtain this offseason, better known as essentially a Balkan takeover, all but guarantees another double-digit winning season this fall.
At least for now, Underwood and the Illini will be synonymous with one another for the immediate future.
