Stewart inks six-year deal with West Virginia

Sep 12, 2008 - 9:43 PM MORGANTOWN, West Virginia (Ticker) -- Despite an upset loss to East Carolina last weekend, coach Bill Stewart signed a new six-year contract with West Virginia on Friday.

Stewart will make $800,000 this year and receive an annual increase of $50,000.

"As I have said many times before, I am thrilled, honored and very proud to be the head football coach at West Virginia University. Being a part of the Old Gold and Blue has always been a dream of mine," Stewart said. "I want to thank (athletic director) Ed Pastilong and the administration."

"Coach Stewart has worked tirelessly to assemble a staff, recruit an outstanding class of student-athletes and prepare for the season," Pastilong added. "With most terms and conditions agreed to in June, it was a matter of both parties reviewing the document before signing the agreement. I like the staff that he has assembled, and I look forward to Coach Stewart's continued leadership."

Stewart was named the Mountaineers football coach on January 3, after leading the them to a 48-28 upset victory over No. 3 Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

Since now-Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez's surprising departure at the conclusion of last year's regular season, Stewart has compiled a 2-1 record.