Razorbacks extend Dykes' contract

Arkansas coach Jimmy Dykes talks out a play with his team during a timeout in the first half against Texas A&M in an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M won 59-55. (AP Photo/The Bryan-College Station Eagle, Sam Craft)
Arkansas coach Jimmy Dykes talks out a play with his team during a timeout in the first half against Texas A&M in an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M won 59-55. (AP Photo/The Bryan-College Station Eagle, Sam Craft)

— The University of Arkansas has extended the contract of women's basketball coach Jimmy Dykes two years through the 2019-20 season.

Dykes will still receive his initial $450,000 annual salary as part of the new agreement. Dykes signed his amended letter of employment last Friday.

"Jimmy has done a tremendous job in leading all aspects of our women's basketball program," UA athletics director Jeff Long said in a statement.

"Jimmy has the passion, knowledge and drive to help position Arkansas as one of the top women's basketball programs in the nation."

Arkansas finished with an 18-14 record in Dykes' first season, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament in their first postseason trip since 2012. The Razorbacks also had an increase in home attendance, averaging 2,250 fans per game.

Dykes was a finalist for the Maggie Dixon Award, which is given to the best first-year coach in the women's game. Dykes was hired last March after spending nearly 20 years as an ESPN analyst. He had never been a head coach on any level prior to being hired by Arkansas.

"It is a tremendous blessing for me and my family that I get to coach at my alma mater and live in a place that we love so much," Dykes said in a release. "I'm excited about the future of Razorback women's basketball and Razorback athletics, and I look forward to the things that we can accomplish in coming years.

"Our recruits and their families know that I will be at Arkansas for the long-term future and that if you want to be a part of something special, this is the place to be."

Dykes is the fourth high-profile coach to have his contract extended through 2020. Contracts for head football coach Bret Bielema, head men's basketball coach Mike Anderson and head baseball coach Dave Van Horn run through the same year.

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