SIU's football coach agrees to a contract extension

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University's athletic director says the school and head football coach have agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Mario Moccia told the (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan that the Salukis reached the deal with 53-year-old Dale Lennon as the coach enters the final year of his contract.

The Salukis finished 7-5 last season in a four-way tie for second place in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Lennon signed a five-year contract in 2008 and received a one-year extension through next season.

Moccia says Lennon will make the same amount -- a base salary of $200,000 -- in the latest contract extension.

SIU has missed the playoffs for four straight seasons.

Lennon is 42-28 at Carbondale. His 35 wins in his first three seasons are the most in school history.