Its been reported (not by media, but people 'in the know' on this message board) that Brad's agent has been sniffing around already (and this usually happens in the off-season, but his agent gauging interest from other programs has began much earlier than normal this year, apparently)
Duke 110, Illinois 67 Postgame
- Status
Its been reported (not by media, but people 'in the know' on this message board) that Brad's agent has been sniffing around already (and this usually happens in the off-season, but his agent gauging interest from other programs has began much earlier than normal this year, apparently)
rmlsr
- El Paso,IL
It’s two out of last 3 seasons. Appreciate Brad bringing program back from the dumpster fire but standards are higher now and he has struggled badly 2 out of last 3 seasons. Give him credit for last year but after 9 years and only making it out of the first weekend once is not good.
This is why, and I understand they are not the same sport, I love watching Bielema and staff take 3 star players and outcheme higher ranked recruits on other teams. Listen to a Bielema presser and within a couple of minutes you know that guy knows what the F he is doing. Now immediately go listen to a Brad presser. The contrast is very stark.
Underwood has to have top talent and if he gets outschemed, he cannot for the life of him adjust. See, Loyola. See also, UCONN.
I truly believe that we are at a critical juncture and it’s time for a good Xs and Os coach who can also recruit to take the reins if we want to take that next step. If you’re the 8th highest paid coach, you can’t have these results whether kids are sick or not.
Underwood has to have top talent and if he gets outschemed, he cannot for the life of him adjust. See, Loyola. See also, UCONN.
I truly believe that we are at a critical juncture and it’s time for a good Xs and Os coach who can also recruit to take the reins if we want to take that next step. If you’re the 8th highest paid coach, you can’t have these results whether kids are sick or not.
Last edited:
I guess you don’t understand that programs try to hire at least one assistant if not two, with great recruiting chops. Head coaches are involved, but assistants do a lot of the recruiting leg work. BTW, the players also know the HC they are playing for when they commit. I’m glad you know more than the guy that ended the 15 year down slide of this program!
USAFILLINI
- Florida
He did an excellent job of pulling us out of the Groce years. However, the point people are making is that it’s becoming increasingly clear he may not be able to take us to the next level and sustain that success. Throughout his career, he hasn't shown the ability to get a team where we expect it to be.
JW will need to make bold decisions, and in my opinion, he’ll have to make them sooner rather than later. The red flags are there
Yes … All of this true …
Also - Josh doesn’t respond very well to “extension and more $$$ or else” …
It seemed that ship had indeed sailed. But it's a bit of a knock against the Underwood that he didn't want to return.
Also plenty of coaches that will !!!! the bed with similar or better resources (Weber, Groce, Miller, Woodson, Crean, Davis). Brad has made changes in the past to schemes but based on the last 3 years he seems very set on what they're doing. Hopefully he figures it out before we've wasted several more years.
Doesn't quite fit your criteria but in 2020, an Illini team coached by this same Brad Underwood beat a Matt Painter coached Purdue team by 26.
And in 2003, Illinois beat a Tom Izzo MSU team by exactly 30.
2 for 26 from 25ft. Tyler and this, is why a say fire.
Big Jack
- Decatur
Sorry but it does move my needle,, I was taught that you never ever strike a woman with your hands. If she has a gun or knife then that is another story. But to hit a woman is unacceptable even if she starts it. Sorry!
@Indy Illini Fan @illini0440 On a professional team, we would likely see a coach fired at this point. Any reason, why Josh couldn’t just say we need some sort of change and drop Hamer? Not sure we would eeven need to hire anyone else. Just send a message.
Who hired those guys?
If BU leaves, I would hope OA stays.
Or is this a "Alex, I'll take 'things that will never happen' for $100.00 please?"
Or is this a "Alex, I'll take 'things that will never happen' for $100.00 please?"
Whitman is not the biggest fan of mid season firings … And he’s ultimately the guy who has to sign off …
Hence why Sintim was simply demoted and not fired mid season for the FB program this year …
Hamer shouldn’t have even been hired as an assistant to begin with … That’s Brad’s fault …
I’ve been watching and supporting Illini athletics for 47 years. I’ve also coached high school football and basketball for 25 years. What are you talking about? Players commit to schools in 2025 for all types of reasons other than the head coach. Some commit for the head coach. Some players commit for NIL see AJ Storr at Kansas , Some players commit for the assistant coaches see Chester leaving. Some players commit to play in the Big Ten. Take Football for example you spend more time with your position coach than you do the head coach. I’m a University of Illinois Fighting Illini Supporter and Fan Not a BRAD UNDERWOOD supporter and fan . Coaches come and go I support the University of Illinois. As a Chicago Bears fan You Brad Underwood Cult Members remind me of the Justin Fields cult members crying about Chicago Bears should keep Justin Fields and who are we going to get better than Justin Fields etc I’m A Chicago Bears fan not a fan of a coach or player. BTW all you Bruce Weber haters compare Bruce Weber’s Record to Brad Underwood’s Record after 8 seasons at Illinois. Plus Brad has the luxury of NIL and Brand New state of the art basketball facilities. Go follow Brad Underwood to his next coaching job .
I assume the $30M buyout is also a hurdle? (if moving on is decided as the best course of action, and I’m not saying it is)
Didn’t catch it but we ain’t got a couple Cooper Flagg’s walking through the door … I can promise you that …
Why don't we let the season play our before we start this ridiculous conversation? We have three conference games left, the BTT and the NCAA. I get that the last three have been rough and it's the day after a beating. That said, if we win 2 of the next 3, then 2 games in the BTT and a couple of games in the NCAAT.....the same people who are screaming for his head now will be the same people crying if he leaves.
Quit the drama, let the season play out and let's see the the direction they take. My opinion, he stays, but a couple of the assistants get gutted. I can guarantee you that this will be the last time he goes this young. That was a flat out bad decision. He gave in to a theory that just isn't his style and it's showing.
Quit the drama, let the season play out and let's see the the direction they take. My opinion, he stays, but a couple of the assistants get gutted. I can guarantee you that this will be the last time he goes this young. That was a flat out bad decision. He gave in to a theory that just isn't his style and it's showing.
It’s a hurdle but with revenue sharing coming we cannot afford to take a step back after last year and be missing the tournament …
Josh will be PROACTIVE … Not REACTIVE …
We have some VERY large donors that are NOT happy …
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
Yeah...most teams would kill to have one walking through the door, but 2 or more...crazy talk.
Did you forgot the 22-23 season already??
Nothing this year has deserved an extension or more money.
Previous years, sure. But not this year.
- Status