California signs Tedford to two-year extension

Jan 1, 2009 - 4:42 PM BERKELEY, California (Ticker) -- California coach Jeff Tedford signed a two-year extension Thursday that will keep him under contract at the school through the 2015 season.

Financial terms for the deal, which comes less than a week after California defeated Miami, 24-17, in the Emerald Bowl, were not disclosed.

Tedford has guided the Golden Bears to a 59-30 record in his seven years at the school, including a 9-4 mark this season.

"Not only does this extension reaffirm my dedication to Cal, but it demonstrates the long-term commitment the athletic department and University of California have to our program," said Tedford, who was hired on December 12, 2001. "I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish and am excited for our players, staff and fans about the direction of the program."

Cal has played in a bowl game in six of the past seven seasons under Tedford, who has averaged 8.4 wins per year - the highest for any coach in Cal history.

"On behalf of our entire university community, I want to congratulate coach Tedford on the outstanding job that he has done with our football team, achieving both on-field and academic success," California chancellor Robert Birgeneau said.

Under Tedford's guidance, Cal has been ranked in the top 10 in four different seasons and finished among the Top 25 three times. In 2006, the Bears tied for the Pac-10 title, their first conference championship since 1975.

Tedford's 59 victories are the most for the school in any seven-year stretch in more than 80 years, and includes 10-win campaigns in 2004 and 2006.

Before Tedford's arrival, Cal went 1-10 in 2001 and had not had a winning season since 1993.