AUSTIN — The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved Thursday a new five-year contract for UTSA head football coach Larry Coker that is effective on Sept. 1 and will run through the 2018 season.
"It's good news to hear that the Board of Regents approved the new contract today," Coker said. "I'm extremely grateful for the support from Lynn Hickey and Dr. (Ricardo) Romo. My family and I are very happy at UTSA and we love the San Antonio community. We are working very hard to build this program the right way and this new contract will help us continue to move forward toward accomplishing our goals."
The new contract will replace Coker's current contract, which ran through the 2014-15 year. It guarantees $2.25 million over the next five years ($400,000 for the first year with a $25,000 increase each subsequent year).
"We could not be any more thankful for the work Coach Coker has done in building this program from the ground up," UTSA Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Lynn Hickey said. "He has brought a lot to UTSA — so much beyond the victories on the field — and we are excited to be able to extend his time here. We look forward to many more years with Coach Coker as the leader of UTSA football."
Coker was hired on March 6, 2009, to start the UTSA program from scratch and he has led the Roadrunners to a 19-15 record through the first three seasons, including a 9-5 mark in conference games. UTSA recently completed its reclassification to the Football Bowl Subdivision and will be eligible to compete in a bowl game beginning this season.
UTSA will open the 2014 campaign at Houston on Friday, Aug. 29, at TDECU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.