Pittsburgh signs Dixon to three-year extension

Sep 25, 2008 - 6:12 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Jamie Dixon, the only coach in Pittsburgh history to guide the Panthers to five straight NCAA tournament appearances, signed a three-year extension Thursday that will keep him under contract at the school through the 2015-2016 season.

The school did not release financial teams, but the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported that Dixon received a raise from last season's salary of nearly $1.3 million.

Entering his sixth campaign, Dixon has a 132-40 record at Pittsburgh. Under his watch, the Panthers have posted five straight 20-win seasons and made "Sweet 16" appearances in 2004 and 2007. They also won the Big East Conference regular season crown in 2004 and tournament title in 2008.

"I love both the university and our outstanding city," Dixon said. "I'm fortunate to be surrounded by a special group of players, a great coaching staff, the most supportive administration in the country and tremendous fans."

Dixon's 132 wins are tied for third all-time among NCAA Division I coaches after five seasons.

"This contract extension is all about commitment to Jamie and his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh," Panthers athletic director Steve Pederson said. "Jamie has risen to the top of his profession in a very short time. He is deserving of this commitment by the university for establishing Pitt basketball as one of the nation's premier program."

Despite losing two starters to injuries, the Panthers posted a 27-10 record last season en route to winning the Big East tournament title. This season, Pittsburgh returns three starters in Sam Young, DeJuan Blair and Lavance Fields.

The Panthers are ranked in the top-10 in virtually all preseason polls.