Sanford agrees to contract extension

After Mike Sanford's best season in four years as UNLV's football coach, he was given a vote of confidence that was more than lip service.

Sanford has agreed in principle to a three-year contract extension, athletic director Mike Hamrick said Monday.

Hamrick declined to provide further information because details are being finalized, and any agreement would have to be approved by the Board of Regents early next year.

Including the year remaining on his current contract, the extension essentially gives Sanford a four-year deal through 2012. One athletic department source said a buyout clause, a standard part of such contracts, would include a "reasonable" dollar figure.

Sanford, who couldn't be reached for comment, has an annual salary of $431,000.

"I think it's critical to have an extension (because of) where our football program currently is from the standpoint of recruiting going into next year, security for the assistant coaches and all those things," Hamrick said.

Sanford has an 11-36 record with the Rebels, winning only two games per season until the team finished 5-7 this year.

The contract extension was widely anticipated, especially after Hamrick and Sanford met for two hours on Dec. 1 to discuss the direction of the program.

The Rebels' record this year was their best since the 2003 team finished 6-6. But the season ended in disappointment when the Rebels lost at underdog San Diego State 42-21 on Nov. 22. That prevented UNLV from becoming bowl eligible, making it eight years since the Rebels have made the postseason. They played in the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl.

But Hamrick saw enough improvement to grant the contract extension, and recruits have noticed the steps forward as well. This is shaping up to be Sanford's best class.

He has received commitments from six players ranked among the top 125 at their positions, according to Scout.com. The recruiting service ranks UNLV's class fourth in the Mountain West Conference behind Brigham Young, Utah and Texas Christian.

Now that Sanford's immediate future is secure, he has choices to make about his coaching staff. He said he has not put a timetable on any decisions, but offseason changes -- either by Sanford or on an assistant's part -- has been routine.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.