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NIU Extends Contract Of Football Coach Rod Carey

(CBS) – Northern Illinois University has extended the contract of head football coach Rod Carey by one year.

NIU made the announcement Friday and said Carey's salary will be increased for 2014.

Carey, in his first full season, led the Huskies to the first 12-0 regular season in school history and two victories over Big Ten Conference teams.

His contract now runs through June 30, 2019, while his annual salary now ranks in the top half of football coaches in the Mid-American Conference, NIU said in a news release.

"I am really happy and excited about where NIU football is and where it's going," Carey said in a prepared statement. "I feel very lucky to be a part of it.  It takes a community and it's more about the players and my staff than it is about me.  Sean [Frazier]'s leadership along with President Baker is unbelievable. I feel lucky to be working with them and couldn't think of better partners in this journey that NIU football is taking."

Carey is the winningest first-year head coach in school.

"This spring starts the journey of a brand new team," Carey said.  "It's a new team with new people and we've got to find out who we are.  We're starting that process right now and the next step will be getting back on the field this spring."

NIU opens 2014 spring practices March 18 and will hold the annual Huskie Bowl (spring game) at 3 p.m. April 19  in Huskie Stadium.

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