SIU, Hill ink five-year extension for football helm

CARBONDALE (SIUSalukis.com) — Southern Illinois University announced Thursday that it has signed football head coach Nick Hill to a five-year contract extension.

A native son of Southern Illinois from nearby Du Quoin, and one of SIU’s all-time great quarterbacks, Hill is entering his seventh season at the helm of the Salukis and is now under contract through the 2026 season.

Playing in the toughest conference in the Football Championship Subdivision, the Salukis have emerged as a national power, and are coming off back-to-back FCS Playoff appearances. In its last 22 games, SIU has a record of 8-4 against ranked teams, including wins over the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4-ranked programs.

Hill building a program at his alma mater

“Nick Hill has built something special here at his alma mater,” said SIU Director of Athletics Tim Leonard. “Beyond football, Nick’s program has become an important part of the fabric of our region through its many community service activities. He is a leader of the highest character, who works tirelessly for the betterment of SIU and the people of this region.”

Under Hill’s direction, SIU has recorded three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2007-09. It won two road playoff games (at Weber State, and at South Dakota), having previously won just one playoff road game in school history. In the FCS Playoffs, the Salukis advanced to the Round of 8 in the spring of 2021 and the Sweet 16 last fall. SIU is one of only five FCS programs to advance to the Sweet 16 in the last two seasons.

“When I say how much I love Southern Illinois and being a part of the 618 area, I truly mean it,” Hill said. “For me and my family, this is the best job in the country. I’m proud to be a Saluki and excited to help spread the message about the great things going on at our University.”

Hill’s base salary begins at $250,000 this season and increases by $15,000 each season thereafter. Leonard thanked Chancellor Austin Lane and interim AD Matt Kupec for their work in extending Hill.

Tom Weber, SIU Sports Communications

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Tom Weber joined Saluki Athletics as director of media services in July 2001 and currently serves the department as Associate AD for Communications. The communications team, which includes media services, marketing, broadcasting, and video services, works together to publicize, promote and generate content for the University's 17 varsity athletic teams. Weber is the primary sports information content for football and men's golf, and the secondary contact for men's basketball.

Weber is a 1991 graduate of Ball State University, where he majored in journalism and political science. He obtained a master's degree in sports management from Marshall University in 1995. Prior to SIU, Weber worked five years as an assistant sports information director at Vanderbilt University, one year as an intern at Ohio State, and two years as a graduate assistant at Marshall.

Tom and his wife, Sally, reside in Carterville with their sons, Tom and Colton.

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