Brad Underwood's agent drops huge hint about his future at Illinois after Final Four loss

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Brad Underwood's agent drops huge hint about his future at Illinois after Final Four loss originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood cemented himself as one of the program's best coaches with a Final Four berth this past Saturday.

Despite a 71-62 loss to the eventual runner-up UConn Huskies, the Illini managed to finish No. 5 in the final AP Poll of the season with a 28-9 record. It was the first time since 2005 that Illinois reached the Final Four, as it will attempt to remain a Big Ten and national title contender in the years ahead.

Appearing on News-Gazette Radio in Champaign, Underwood's agent Bret Just suggests that Underwood will be a lifer at Illinois and will coach until his contract expires.

"I would actually be very surprised if he didn’t,” Just said of Underwood. “I don’t see that time coming any time soon — like, it’s nothing we’ve talked about."

MORE: Brad Underwood heaps praise on potential NBA lottery pick Keaton Wagler after Final Four

Underwood, who arrived at Illinois in 2017 following a decade of inconsistency after the team's 2005 run, has turned the program into a perennial juggernaut with two Big Ten Tournament titles, an Elite Eight berth in 2024 and winning at least 20 games a season over the last six years.

“He literally loves this place, he loves this team, he’s loved the past several teams," Just added. "I think … the fact that he gets to enjoy this with his family members — specifically [assistant coach and son] Tyler — makes it all the more worthwhile and special. So I would be surprised if he didn’t, I’ll put it to you that way.”

Underwood said he has remained committed to winning a national title, reiterating that he will reevaluate his options only after it is no longer a priority.

But, for now, Just said things are status quo.

Just even recalled his initial reaction upon Underwood accepting the job, as he was jubilated.

'"Here’s the silver lining.’ Boom. And he was like: ‘Whaaaat?’

“And the rest is history."

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Underwood said he would have time to reflect on what Illinois has accomplished as the offseason gets underway.

But, for now, there is much to be excited about in Champaign.

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