Idaho approves contract extensions for Petrino and Verlin - SWX Right Now-Sports for Spokane, CdA, Tri-Cities, WA

By Idaho Athletics

LEWISTON, Idaho- The Idaho State Board of Education approved contract extensions Thursday, for University of Idaho football head coach Paul Petrino and men's basketball head coach Don Verlin.

Petrino's contract is an amendment to his current deal and will run through June 30, 2022. His previous agreement was set to expire Dec. 30, 2020. Petrino will earn a one-year extension if he is not in breach of contract by July 1, 2018. The new contract also calls for an automatic one-year extension for each season with eight or more wins.

Other amendments in the revised agreement include changes to the incentive structure in anticipation of Idaho's transition to FCS, including a $7,500 bonus for an FCS Championship appearance and an additional $12,500 bonus for a national title.

"Coach Petrino has undoubtedly raised the standard for our football program, on and off the field," said Idaho Director of Athletics Rob Spear. "Under his guidance, our student-athletes can expect to win, expect to graduate and expect to leave here as better men. I know Paul is the right person for this job and this contract exemplifies our commitment to him."

The 2016 Sun Belt Coach of the Year, Petrino led the Vandals to nine wins last season, including a victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. He has also emphasized academics, overseeing the program increase its cumulative grade-point average from 2.1 to 2.9 during his tenure. The program's most recent single-season Academic Progress Report score checked in at 962, up from 838 when he took over. The new contract features incentives for GPA and APR benchmarks, with the requisite marks increasing each year.

Verlin's contract is a four-year pact running through June 30, 2021. His previous deal had two years remaining. Under the new terms, Verlin can receive a bonus equal to 7.7 percent of his annual salary for a conference championship, co-championship or reaching the NCAA Tournament. He will also receive $5,000 bonuses for three separate benchmarks: 14 wins, 17 wins and 20 wins.

The Vandals were picked as the preseason favorites to win the Big Sky title by the coaches and the media, earlier this month. Idaho is coming off a 19-14 campaign, including a 12-6 mark in Big Sky play to finish third. Verlin is entering his 10th season as Idaho's head coach.

"Coach Verlin has been a steady leader for our men's basketball program and our department," Spear said. "He is a proven winner whose best days are still ahead. We feel very fortunate to have Don under contract into what would be his third decade with the Vandals."