Nov. 11, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In recognition for guiding the Terps to a national championship in 2002 and consecutive Final Four appearances, University of Maryland men's basketball coach Gary Williams today agreed to a new contract which will enhance the financial terms and length of his previous agreement, athletics director Deborah A. Yow announced.

Specific contract terms were not disclosed. However, there were significant improvements in a number of categories, including the amount of guaranteed compensation, competitive bonuses and academic bonuses, as well as radio, television and personal appearances income.

Williams' existing long-term contract through May, 2008 was also extended by one year to May 31, 2009.

"We are very pleased to tangibly acknowledge the most recent achievements of Coach Williams through multiple enhancements to his contract," said Yow. "He has rebuilt the struggling basketball program he inherited in 1989 and has transformed Maryland basketball into one of the nation's premier programs."

Said Williams, "I'm very happy with my new agreement, and I'm looking forward to completing my coaching career here."

Since Williams' arrival as head coach in the summer of 1989, the Terps have soared to a level of national prominence unmatched during the first century of the program - and unmatched by the vast majority of programs nationwide. Included among the many superior accomplishments during the Williams era are nine consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, which include consecutive trips to the Final Four, a national crown and six Sweet Sixteen appearances; nine consecutive upper-division finishes in the ACC including an outright league title in 2002 and a shared crown in 1995; a school-record 32 victories in 2002; four NBA lottery picks, one national Player of the Year, a senior of the year and two ACC Players of the Year. Under Williams, the Terps have posted a 23-11 record in 12 NCAA Tournament appearances.

In 2001, Williams became just the sixth coach since 1980 to direct his alma mater to the Final Four. This past April, he became the first coach since 1974 to guide his alma mater to a national title.

Williams, 274-143 in 13 seasons at Maryland, boasts a 481-271 overall record including four years at American, four at Boston College, and three at Ohio State.