Colorado coach Hawkins gets extension through 2012

Oct 7, 2008 - 9:09 PM BOULDER, Colorado (Ticker) -- Colorado evidently is satisfied with the progress Dan Hawkins has made with the Buffaloes, both on and off the gridiron.

Hawkins and the school agreed Tuesday to a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2012 season.

The deal, which technically expires in January 2013, will pay Hawkins approximately $950,000 annually and also includes performance-based incentives.

"We remain committed to a compensation model that reflects the importance of on and off the field performance through incentives," athletic director Mike Bohn said. "Coach Hawkins is making significant progress across the board and we recognize the importance of continuity in our leadership."

Hawkins, 47, signed a five-year, $4.25 million deal when he was hired in December 2005.

The 23rd coach in school history, Hawkins inherited a program tarnished by a recruiting scandal that occurred under previous coach Gary Barnett.

"I am pleased with the progress Dan has made and the values he embodies as the leader of our football team," school chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson said. "He has fully supported the integration of intercollegiate athletics into the academic mission of the university, and he shares the values of our faculty and staff in building a program on the solid foundations of integrity, academic achievement, and sportsmanship."

Hawkins has coached Colorado to an 11-19 record in his three-plus seasons at the school.

After going just 2-10 in Hawkins' first year, the Buffaloes showed dramatic improvement last season, going 6-7 and earning a berth in the Independence Bowl. The campaign was highlighted by a 27-24 upset of then-No. 3 Oklahoma on September 29.

Hawkins also has helped restore the image of a program that received a two-year probationary period for recruiting violations made during Barnett's stint at the school from 1999-2005.

"Dan has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, dedication, integrity and commitment to not only the football program but to the entire university," Bohn said. "His exemplary work ethic has instilled a strong sense of pride, vitality and spirit on campus, across the state and to alumni nationwide.

"We look forward to his continued leadership in building an athletic program to match the world- class status of our institution."