Jan. 24, 2006

HOUSTON - University of Houston Director of Athletics Dave Maggard today announced the university has extended head football coach Art Briles' contract for two more years. Briles' contract now runs through the 2010 campaign.

"By extending (Coach Briles') contract for these two years, we are giving him five back on his contract," commented Maggard. "We have participated in a bowl game two out of the last three years, and while it is our goal to be in the championship game, I feel it is important to have continuity in our program for us to get back into the national picture.

"We have confidence that Art Briles is the right person for this program, and he is the head coach that will continue to improve our football program. There are no other changes to the contract other than the addition of the two years."

Briles originally signed a five-year deal when he was hired in December of 2002; however, when Briles guided the Cougars to the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl in his first season, Maggard extended Briles by one year through the 2008 season.

Briles, who will enter his fourth season at the helm of the UH program this fall, is elated to see the faith Maggard and the University has in him.

"I am both excited and proud to continue this journey with the University of Houston and the University of Houston football program," said Briles. "It is our mission and our goal to make the Cougars one of the top programs in the nation. I appreciate the support given to me and the Cougar players by Mr. Maggard and the University."