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…
