The Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team flexed its talent this past spring with a trip to the 2026 NCAA Final Four that ended with a 74-61 loss to the Connecticut Huskies. 

The Illini's Final Four run was followed up with a contract extension for head coach Brad Underwood on May 14, 2026, a reward for a job well done given out by athletic director Josh Whitman.

Whitman addressed the media during which he shared his biggest reason for extending Underwood, painting it as a program-wide modus operandi he has taken upon himself to implement with Illinois' athletic department. 

Whitman was asked about the Underwood extension along with raises given to the Illini men's basketball boss' assistant coaches. 

He called the decisions part of his philosophy at the university. 

"Well, I think taking care of our coaches is a central part of my job," Whitman said. 

"As we have success, we never want to put them in a position where they're coming to ask for things, we want to make sure that they feel supported and valued."

Whitman was hired by Illinois in February 2016. He hired Underwood a little over a year later, in March 2017, and the partnership has been fruitful so far. 

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood directs players during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Whitman spoke glowing words about the 2025-2026 team's Final Four run.

"Going to the Final Four's a big deal," Whitman said.

"And to know that we were able to put the University of Illinois on the stage in front of 14 million people on television, and to see the turnout over in Indianapolis, to know what that looked and felt like, was really special," he continued.

Underwood will bring a veteran team back next season with an infusion of transfer portal and freshman talent. 

Whitman highlighted the Illini coach's commitment to the program. 

"...We're grateful to coach Underwood for his continued leadership, his loyalty, and dedication to this place," Whitman said.

"As well as to our staff, so to be proactive there, and to move quickly after the Final Four, was a really important part of our strategy and again grateful to him for wanting to continue to be here and provide great leadership.

The Illini were led by Keaton Wagler, who was selected fifth overall in this month's NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers; Kylan Boswell, who signed a two-way NBA deal after going undrafted, and frontcourt brothers Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic, who will return to Underwood's team in 2026-27.

Underwood's program shows all the signs of a current and future powerhouse, a big part of Whitman's decision to extend the Illini head coach. 

Underwood's new contract runs through 2031-32 and could extend into 2035-2036 based on how the Fighting Illini perform over the next four seasons. 

He guided Illinois to its first Final Four appearance in 21 years last season including a 29-8 record and a 15-5 finish in the Big Ten. 

Underwood shared national championship aspirations after his recent extension.

Illinois hasn't won a national championship in the current NCAA Tournament format. 

"Illinois is a special place, and we're coming off a special year with a trip to the Final Four," Underwood said.

"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."