Illinois trustees approve Weber's extension, raise

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bruce Weber, who led Illinois to a No. 1 ranking and its first national championship game, was given a two-year contract extension Thursday.

The new deal gives him a $150,000 raise, a $100,000 signing bonus and deferred compensation that could exceed $1.1 million.

Weber, who led the Illini to a 37-2 record last season, will be under contract through the 2010-11 season as part of the deal approved by the university's trustees.

The new deal keeps Weber's salary at $200,000 but it increases the money he gets for doing radio and TV shows, camps and promotional events by $150,000, bringing his total compensation to $700,000 per year, according to documents prepared for the trustees.

The trustees also approved the signing bonus for Weber and a deferred compensation account. Weber would receive $1.1 million plus interest if he is still Illinois' coach on April 30, 2011.

The Illini won a second straight outright Big Ten title last season and amassed a 29-game winning streak, holding the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll for 15 consecutive weeks. They lost to North Carolina 75-70 in the title game.

Weber was selected national coach of the year last season, his second at Illinois.

Weber's salary is paid by the university's Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and his other compensation is paid by camp fees, broadcasting revenue and corporate sponsorships, the university said.