NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State football head coach Brock Spack has built a consistent, winning program in his 16 seasons at ISU and has committed to continuing that success, as Illinois State Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs has announced a contract extension Thursday that will keep Spack at the helm of the program through the 2027 season. 

"Brock has been a pillar of success and consistency at Illinois State for 16 seasons and has raised the stature of our program nationally into one that has the chance to make the playoffs every season," Beggs said. "I am excited that he will continue to be a strong mentor for our student-athletes and continue to be a resource for our department. As the winningest coach in Illinois State football program history, he's set a standard of success for his teams both on and off the field and will continue to grow that in the coming years along with his coaches, support staff and student-athletes. The future of Redbird Football is bright under Brock's continued leadership."

Heading into his 17th season at the helm of the program in 2025, Spack has posted an overall record of 111-74 (.600) and a mark of 70-54 (.564) in Missouri Valley Football Conference play. He's guided the Redbirds to .500 or better records in 13 of his previous 16 seasons at the helm of the program, including four seasons of 10 wins or more highlighted by the 13-2 record in 2014 on way to the FCS National Championship game. Spack guided the Redbirds to three-straight playoff appearances from 2014-16 and has helped lead ISU to the postseason six times overall to go along with a pair of Missouri Valley Football Conference titles in 2014 and 2015.

With his team's 31-24 win over Eastern Illinois on Sept. 18, 2021, Spack picked up his 87th victory at ISU to break the program's win record of 86 previously held by Edwin Struck. Following a win at Missouri State on Nov. 4, 2023, Spack became just the fourth coach in MVFC history to record 100 wins at a league school. Spack's 70 wins in league play rank him third all-time in the MVFC behind Mark Farley of UNI (119) and John Stiegelmeier of South Dakota State (84). With two more wins, Spack will also overtake Terry Allen (UNI and Missouri State) for third place on the MVFC all-time wins list and he currently leads all active head coaches in total wins and conference victories.

Much of that success has been aided by a fierce defense of home turf, as the Redbirds have amassed a 67-24 record at Hancock Stadium including a 50-18 mark since the stadium renovations were completed prior in 2013. Spack's teams have also picked up three wins over FBS programs, most recently on the road at Colorado State in 2018.

"I am deeply grateful for the continued support from Illinois State University Athletic Director Dr. Jeri Beggs, Deputy Athletic Director Paul Kabbes, and Illinois State University President Dr. Tarhule in providing me with a contract extension," Spack stated. "Their unwavering commitment to our football program reflects not only their belief in our vision but also their dedication to ensuring that every aspect of our team remains competitive within college football. This extension goes beyond me - it is a testament to their belief in our collective success and the bright future we are building together. The investment they are making in our student-athletes, staff, and overall program is invaluable and speaks to their long-term commitment to excellence."

In 2024, the Redbirds returned to the postseason after putting together an 9-3 overall record during the regular season and posting a 6-2 mark in MVFC play. ISU advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a first-round victory over Southeast Missouri State, before eventually falling to No. 5 overall seed UC Davis on the road in round two to end the season at 10-4 overall. Spack was named an Eddie Robinson Award Finalist for the third time in his career, as ISU was ranked in every national FCS Top 25 poll for the entirety of the season, charting as high as No. 10 in the final poll of the year. In total, 11 Redbirds were named All-MVFC performers, and a pair of standouts were named FCS All-Americans in senior Keondre Jackson and sophomore Tye Niekamp.

Overall, Spack has coached 21 All-Americans, helped over 156 players earn All-MVFC honors, and has mentored 50 players named to the league's All-Newcomer team. In addition to his team's success on the gridiron, Spack's players have set program grade-point average records, with the team setting a new standard of 3.21 during the Spring 2024 semester. Spack has also helped over 36 Redbird players earn opportunities to play at the next level. Four of those players were taken in the NFL Draft: Nate Palmer (6th round, Green Bay, 2013), Shelby Harris (7th round, Oakland, 2014), James O'Shaughnessy (5th round, Kansas City, 2015) and Davontae Harris (5th round, Cincinnati, 2018).

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