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UI trustees OK Underwood's contract, hear Killeen's headhunting pitch

SPRINGFIELD — Brad Underwood's six-year, $18 million deal with the University of Illinois didn't officially begin until Thursday, when his appointment was approved by UI trustees.

But the Illini basketball coach started accumulating a salary March 18, as soon as his appointment took effect.

According to contract details released Thursday, Underwood will be paid $331,507 for the roughly six weeks from March 18 through April 30, until his contract officially kicked in.

His employment agreement, which runs through April 30, 2023, is still being finalized. The major contract terms were released in March, but Thursday's board item provided more details.