Second-year Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian guided the Huskies to a 7-6 record and Holiday Bowl win in 2010. On Friday, he reaped the benefits, agreeing to a five-year contract extension that runs through the 2015 season. The contract will pay him $2.25 million in the first year, putting him into the upper-echelon of Pac-10 coaching salaries.
A press release from the University of Washington laid out the details.
The deal is consistent with the national market value, and increases Sarkisian's guaranteed compensation from $2 million to $2.25 million for this year, to $2.4 million for 2012 and to $2,550,000 in 2013.
Sarkisian came to Washington ahead of the 2009 season after Tyrone Willingham finished the 2008 season with an 0-12 record. In his first year at the helm, Sarkisian led the Huskies to a 5-7 record -- a turnaround that turned heads and raised expectations and interest in Montlake. His goal for the Huskies in year two was a bowl game, with quarterback Jake Locker choosing to return for his season. The Huskies accomplished that and more, making it to the Holiday Bowl and upsetting Nebraska to finished the season at 7-6.
Washington has already announced both of Sarkisian's coordinators -- Nick Holt and Doug Nussmeier -- have also signed extensions and will receive pay raises.
We'll be back with more details on the contract shortly. Stay tuned to our StoryStream for the latest.