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Illinois Secures Coaches Bielema and Underwood Through 2031

5/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Illinois is making a bold commitment to its athletic future by locking in football coach Bret Bielema and basketball coach Brad Underwood with contracts extending to 2031. Bielema will kick off his tenure with a salary of $7.7 million, while Underwood will start at $4.4 million, pending Board of Trustees approval on May 22.

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Story summary

The University of Illinois is making a bold commitment to its athletic future by locking in football coach Bret Bielema and basketball coach Brad Underwood with contracts extending to 2031. Bielema will kick off his tenure with a salary of $7.7 million, while Underwood will start at $4.4 million, pending Board of Trustees approval on May 22.