Louisville extends Pitino

May 3, 2007, 15:40 GMT

Louisville, KY - The University of Louisville announced Thursday that it had extended the contract of head basketball coach Rick Pitino three years, through the 2012-2013 season.

'Rick has meant so much not only to our men's basketball program, but to this community,' said Louisville director of athletics Tom Jurich. 'He has our team primed for another great run next season and I'm sure we will keep that going in years to follow. He obviously has Hall of Fame credentials and there's no one I would rather have as our coach. I'm thrilled that we can count on him guiding our men's basketball program for at least the next six years.'

Pitino had three years remaining on his current contract, which runs through the 2009-10 season. Pitino will reportedly receive a base salary of $2.25 million for the next three seasons and then $2.5 million a year from 2010-2013.

The only coach to take three different teams to the Final Four, Pitino has amassed a 494-182 record in 21 seasons as a collegiate coach at Boston University, Providence College, the University of Kentucky, and Louisville, where he has led the Cardinals to a 142-58 record in six seasons, and an appearance in the 2005 Final Four.

That appearance was the fifth for Pitino, who made three Final Fours with Kentucky, and won the 1996 national championship. Pitino led the Cardinals to a 24-10 mark last season, and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

© 2007 The Sports Network