At its November 16 meeting, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees will consider a three-year contract extension for U. of I. athletics director Josh Whitman. The new eight-year contract keeps Whitman as leader of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics through at least June 30, 2031.
“Josh Whitman will be the third-longest serving athletic director in the Big Ten Conference by next summer,” said University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert J. Jones. “His thoughtful and decisive leadership has been a critical stabilizing force in both the Big Ten and here at Illinois through one of the most tumultuous and challenging periods in the history of collegiate athletics. This new contract ensures that his voice and vision will continue to guide our athletic programs here at Illinois for many years to come.”
Whitman has served as director of athletics since February 2016. He recently concluded a term as co-chair of Big Ten Administrator’s Council and continues to be involved in Big Ten and NCAA governance, including a recent appointment to the NCAA Division I Council. Whitman has made numerous hires during his tenure, including football coach Bret Bielema, men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood, and women’s basketball coach Shauna Green, all of whom have contributed significantly to a resurgence in Illinois athletics. Under Whitman’s guidance, Illinois teams have made 82 NCAA postseason appearances, highlighted by 22 of those teams finishing in the top 16 nationally and seven finishing in the nation’s top four. During Whitman’s seven years, student-athletes have posted a combined grade-point average of above 3.12. A recent cohort saw a student-athlete graduation success rate of 95%, equaling the highest ever recorded at Illinois.
“I would like to thank Chancellor Jones, President Killeen and our Board of Trustees for their unending support of my leadership and of Fighting Illini Athletics,” said Whitman. “It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the only job I’ve ever wanted: serving as athletic director at my alma mater. The progress we have made over these last seven-and-a-half years is rewarding, but much work remains as we strive to take this program to unprecedented heights. And throughout the journey, we will continue to focus all efforts on our central mission: pursuing championships while providing a life-changing student-athlete experience.”
Under Whitman’s leadership, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has set a high bar for alumni and donor engagement. During the recently concluded “With Illinois” capital campaign, DIA raised more than $321 million in support of Fighting Illini student-athletes. Many of these gifts were made in support of an aggressive facilities plan that Whitman and his team developed and executed. Following a $20 million donation from the H.D. Smith Foundation, the Henry Dale & Betty Smith Football Center was dedicated in 2019. A $40 million multiyear renovation and expansion of the Ubben Basketball Complex was completed in fall 2022. Whitman also orchestrated the acquisition of the former Stone Creek Golf Club in Urbana as part of a $15 million, multifaceted gift from longtime friends of Illinois Athletics, the Atkins family. A $7 million gift from the Demirjian family cleared the way for development and construction of Demirjian Park, the new home for Illinois soccer and track and field.
Whitman’s new annual salary will be $1.5 million, retroactive to July 1. He will continue to be eligible for a variety of bonuses, including performance and retention incentives. The first retention incentive will be payable in summer 2024, with four additional retention incentives spaced over the course of the new eight-year contract. The contract has the opportunity for two one-year extensions, in summer 2024 and summer 2025, respectively, that could extend the agreement’s end date to June 30, 2033. The contract also reworks Whitman’s buyout provision, providing significant protections for the University against Whitman’s departure.
Editor’s note:
For additional information, contact Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing, call 217-333-5010, email rkaler@illinois.edu.
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