Missouri Extends Football Coach Gary Pinkel Through 2017

Now that they've got their basketball coach settled, the University of Missouri wanted to take care of its football coach. The University has extended the contract of head football coach Gary Pinkel through the 2017 season.

Pinkel, in November of 2008, had previously signed a seven-year deal that was set to expire at the conclusion of the 2015 campaign. The new extension does not affect Pinkel's guaranteed salary of $2.35 million, but contributes to his annuity and increases the salaries for his assistant coaches.

"We're very pleased to be able to do this for Gary and his staff," said Missouri athletic director Mike Alden in the school's release. "Over the past 10 seasons, they have done terrific work in raising the program which is recognized nationally as one of the tops in the nation academically and athletically."

Missouri finished the 2010 season with a record of 10-3, including a 6-2 mark in the Big 12. The Tigers went to the Insight Bowl and dropped a 27-24 decision to Iowa.

"I'm very grateful for the support," said Pinkel in a statement. "We really have outstanding leadership at our university, and there is no question that they have played a key role in helping us build our program. Our fans have also been a very important part of the process, and we'll continue to work hard to make them proud and excited to follow their Tigers."

Pinkel has a record of 77-49 in 10 seasons at Mizzou and owns a career mark of 150-86-3 over 20 seasons as a collegiate head coach. He took over at Missouri in 2001 after 10 years as the head coach at Toledo.