Milwaukee ? Tom Crean signed a new contract to remain coach at Marquette, ending speculation that he was a leading contender to take the Illinois job.

Crean, who led Marquette to its first Final Four appearance in 26 years, said Tuesday night he had signed a new deal. Terms were not disclosed.

Marquette basketball coach Tom Crean, center, is pursued by fans after he announced he had signed a long-term contract with the Golden Eagles. The deal, announced Tuesday in Milwaukee, should quell any rumors about his leaving to replace Bill Self at Illinois.

“It’s a long-term contract, and it’s more than generous,” Crean said at the Alumni Memorial Union on the Marquette campus in front of about 100 students and reporters.

The 37-year-old coach was among the first mentioned for the Illinois position when Bill Self was introduced as the new Kansas University coach Monday.

Crean said he had not met with any of his players.

“I don’t think they ever thought I was going anywhere,” he said.

Crean has guided the Golden Eagles to an 83-41 record in four seasons.

The contract replaces the deal Crean signed in April, 2002. Marquette, a private school, does not release contract information, but it is believed that Crean will get more than $1.1 million annually. The contract also is believed to contain a clause that would allow him to leave if the Michigan State job opens.