U of I OKs six-year deal for men's golf coach
A six-year contract extension for men's golf coach Mike Small was approved by the University Board of Trustees, Illinois director of athletics Josh Whitman announced Thursday.
The contract has a base salary of more than $2 million over the six years and runs through the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
“Mike Small is the finest collegiate golf coach in the country,” Whitman said. “He has defied the odds and built the Fighting Illini golf program into one of the nation's elite.”
The contract takes effect immediately and includes a $600,000 buyout if Small leaves for another position.
“I'm very grateful,” said Small, who is starting his 17th season as head coach at Illinois. “I started as an Illini and I intend to finish my career as an Illini.”
Under Small, Illinois has qualified for 12 NCAA Championships, advancing to the NCAA Championship Finals 11 times. He coached two NCAA Individual Champions in Thomas Pieters and Scott Langley, and has sent several players on to successful careers on tour.
Over the past eight season, Small's teams have won seven Big Ten championships.
Small, a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, recently won his 12 Illinois PGA Championship.