U. Of Washington Gives Sarkisian 5-Year Contract

SEATTLE (AP) -- Washington has rewarded coach Steve Sarkisian with a new five-year contract after he led the team to its first bowl game since 2002.

The school says on its official athletics website, gohuskies.com, that the deal guarantees the 36-year-old Sarkisian $12.75 million through 2015.

It replaces the five-year contract he signed when he joined the team in January 2009.

Washington finished the season at 6-6 overall and 5-4 in the Pac-10 before going on to beat No. 17 Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.

Athletic director Scott Woodward told the website the school wants to keep Sarkisian for a long time, and the contract is part of investments in the program that include the upcoming renovation of Husky Stadium and the construction of new team facilities.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)