Ball State extends Lembo through 2018

Mar 21, 2014 - 4:18 AM Muncie, IN (SportsNetwork.com) - Ball State has given head football coach Pete Lembo a contract extension through the 2018 season.

The school also announced Thursday that it added associate athletic director to Lembo's title.

Lembo, hired in December of 2010, has led the Cardinals to a 25-13 record in three seasons at the helm. His original four-year contract was set to expire after next season, although it contained a fifth-year school option.

"Since I arrived at Ball State, I have spoken of our coaches building programs the right way to achieve sustained success," athletic director Bill Scholl said in a statement.

"This contract extension recognizes the exemplary work Pete has accomplished over the past three years and the direction our football program is heading. Our record has improved every year in his tenure and the culture Pete has created within his program is one of the best in the conference."

Scholl said the deal came with "the unwavering support" of the administration.

The Cardinals went 10-3 this past season and have made back-to-back bowl games for only the second time in program history. The 10 victories in 2013 marked only the third time in school history the football team has won 10 games in a single season.