CHAMPAIGN - Ron Zook will be rewarded today for revitalizing the University of Illinois football program when the Board of Trustees' executive committee meets to approve a handsome pay raise and three-year contract extension.

Zook's total compensation package is expected to rise to $1.505 million a year, an annual increase of $450,000.

That would make Zook the fifth-highest paid head coach in the Big Ten, trailing leader Kirk Ferentz of Iowa ($2.84 million, excluding bonuses), Ohio State's Jim Tressel, Michigan's Lloyd Carr and Penn State's Joe Paterno.

The recommended increase, which has the backing of university President B. Joseph White and chancellor Richard Herman, will be voted on this afternoon when the executive committee meets.

In addition to the pay increase, the proposal also recommends extending Zook's contract through Jan. 31, 2013.

Part of Zook's increased pay is tied to a bowl appearance, and the 5-2 Illini need one more victory to become bowl-eligible. Zook's base salary will increase by $200,000 when he leads the Illini into a bowl game.

"(Athletics director Ron) Guenther talked to me about it before the season started," Zook said Tuesday. "He knew once I got into the season I would be involved and can't talk about it much then.

"The thing is, for us and for our staff, it makes you feel good when your boss and administration feel the program is going in the right direction. I think everyone understands we're not where we need to be yet, and we have a long way to go. But they're comfortable we're going in the right direction."

Illinois had won just four total games in the two seasons before Zook arrived. And while Zook committed to younger players and began rebuilding the roster with quality recruits, Illinois won just twice in 2005 and twice in 2006, Zook's first two seasons.

But after assembling some impressive recruiting classes, Illinois has started to win again this season.

After losing the season opener to Missouri, Illinois won five straight and moved into the Top 25 before losing at Iowa last weekend. Illinois plays host to Michigan on Saturday night.

Zook said the contract extension will aid in recruiting.

"Stability helps in recruiting," he said. "I like to tell kids we will run the same offense, defense and kicking game for their entire careers here. That's something I feel very strongly in. And I plan on being here."

Zook also said he has talked to Guenther about a pool of money that will provide pay increases for his assistant coaches.

"The one great thing about Ron Guenther is that he understands this profession and business," Zook said. "He knows for us to continue to do the things we need to do, we need to do everything we can to keep our coaches here.

"Right now there are a lot of people who look and say, 'Hey, maybe that is a great place.' It's a great place, a great university, a great place to raise your children. People see what we felt coming in here."