Brad Underwood earns opportunity for Illinois contract boost after Final Four run

Illinois basketball delivered the most surprising March Madness run of 2026. Head coach Brad Underwood appears to be earning a big reward after the Final Four appearance.

The university announced Thursday that Underwood is set for a new contract amendment. Meaning he’ll stay beyond 2032 in Champaign and stretch to 2036 with this new promotion.

“The agreement would also include updated financial terms that would solidify Underwood among the highest paid coaches in college basketball,” the release stated.

Granted, Underwood still must go through a final loophole before earning the contract raise.

“The agreement is pending University of Illinois Board of Trustees approval at its meeting May 21,” the release adds.

Director of Athletics Josh Whitman praised the leadership of Underwood during his time leading the Illini.

“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 wrote. The AD added how Underwood has “revitalized a proud fan base.”

Illinois breezed through the NCAA Tournament South Regional by winning all four games in double figures. Including knocking off 2025 National Championship Game runner-up Houston during the Sweet 16. Underwood largely won with a strong mix of towering front court talent, transfer portal additions and a prized freshman.

Keaton Wagler represents the latter after averaging 17.9 points per game. But he’s off to the NBA Draft and garnering top 10 attention. The Illini could also still lose Andrej Stojakovic as well who’s hearing league chatter. But Illinois receives assurance Underwood won’t leave anytime soon once his contract agreement is greenlit by the school’s board of trustees.

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