SIU Football head coach Nick Hill receives four-year extension

Southern Illinois University extends head coach's contract through 2029 season

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:50pm

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Southern Illinois University has announced a four-year contract extension for football head coach Nick Hill, keeping him at the helm of the Salukis program through the 2029 season. Hill has been the head coach since 2016 and has led the team to three FCS playoff appearances.

Why it matters

The extension demonstrates SIU's commitment to building a championship-caliber football program under Hill's leadership. As college athletics faces a changing landscape, the university is investing in its football team to compete at the highest level.

The details

In his 10 seasons as head coach, Hill has guided the Salukis to a 7-5 record in 2025, including a 37-7 victory over Illinois State, who went on to reach the FCS National Championship game. Under Hill, SIU has boasted one of the nation's most explosive offenses, ranking 12th in the country in points per game in 2025.

  • Hill completed his 10th season as the program's head coach in 2025.
  • The Salukis defeated Illinois State, 37-7, in their final game of the 2025 season on November 22.
  • Illinois State went on to make the FCS National Championship game, where they fell 35-34 in overtime to Montana State.

The players

Nick Hill

The head football coach at Southern Illinois University since 2016. He has led the Salukis to three FCS playoff appearances and has a vision to win a national championship.

Tim Leonard

The athletic director at Southern Illinois University who announced the four-year contract extension for Coach Hill.

DJ Williams

The Salukis' quarterback in 2025 who finished third in the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year race and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

Jeremiah McClendon

A cornerback for the Salukis in 2025 who was named to the All-MVFC First Team.

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What they’re saying

“We want to win a national championship with Nick Hill at the helm, and we believe that we can do that.”

— Tim Leonard, Athletic Director, Southern Illinois University

“I'm excited and humbled for the opportunity to be the head coach here. From day one of getting the job in 2016 until today, it's been a dream come true. I come to work every single day with a vision to lead this program and I feel confident in doing so. Feel confident leading it into changing times in college athletics.”

— Nick Hill, Head Football Coach, Southern Illinois University

“This is where I want to be, this is where my family wants to be. We're in that constant pursuit to bring championships here to Saluki Football.”

— Nick Hill, Head Football Coach, Southern Illinois University

What’s next

The Salukis will look to build on their 7-5 record in 2025 and make another push for the FCS playoffs under Coach Hill's leadership.

The takeaway

Southern Illinois University's commitment to Coach Nick Hill and its football program demonstrates the university's desire to compete at the highest level of FCS football. Hill's passion and vision for the Salukis have them poised to potentially win a national championship in the coming years.