Brad Underwood Has Been Hired By Illinois

Illinois has hired Brad Underwood after a one-year stop in Stillwater. This is a stunner but was confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. An incredible turn of events after what was a really fun Year 1.

Illinois has hired Oklahoma State’s Brad Underwood, sources told ESPN.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 18, 2017

Told the relationship between Brad Underwood and Oklahoma State AD Mike Holder was a major factor in his… https://t.co/mI3OY0KLKC

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 18, 2017

Underwood went 20-13 overall and 9-9 in Big 12 play this season. OSU lost to Michigan in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He was the coach for OSU for less than a year which is just amazing.

Brad Underwood lasted 362 days at #OKState. Blame has to fall on Mike Holder not getting a deal done early.

— Hayden Kyle Barber (@HK_Barber) March 18, 2017

And there it is.

Welcome Coach Brad Underwood! #WeWillWin #ILLINI pic.twitter.com/9yqLI0Ce1x

— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) March 18, 2017

On the plane and headed to #ILLINI country! ETA 5:00pm. Come meet your new coach, #ILLINI! The future is bright! pic.twitter.com/EVlFTTkKph

— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) March 18, 2017

“Coaching basketball at the University of Illinois is a once-in-lifetime opportunity,” Underwood said. “The players, fans and administration at Oklahoma State have been absolutely incredible, and I want to thank them for the support they’ve given me and my family over the last year. However, during my time at Western Illinois, I always saw the Illinois coaching job as one of the truly best in the nation.

“I want to thank Josh Whitman for the opportunity to join the Fighting Illini family and look forward to working with him to build a championship program. I can’t wait to get started with our team. Next season can’t get here fast enough for me!”

And apparently this was completely out of nowhere, according to Andy Katz of ESPN.

Just spoke with an Oklahoma State official and was told Brad Underwood flew back with the team after the Michigan game Friday, landing at 8 pm CT. There was no indication he was leaving. School official was stunned and learned about his hiring at Illinois via twitter.

Mike Holder’s statement on Saturday afternoon indicated as much.

“We are saddened and disappointed in Brad’s decision to leave Oklahoma State after one year,” said Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder. “We are trying to digest this news.”

“We wish Brad and his family well. In the meantime, we will consider the situation and move forward.”

For what it’s worth. Doug Gottlieb already (sort of) threw his hat in the ring.

? pic.twitter.com/DKI2xJ9tLZ

— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) March 18, 2017