Georgia Tech football coach Johnson agrees to extension

Dec 18, 2008 - 10:41 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Georgia Tech rewarded football coach Paul Johnson for a memorable 2008 season.

Johnson agreed to an amended seven-year, $17.2 million contract extension Thursday morning, a new deal that will keep the reigning ACC Coach of the Year at the school through 2015.

"The future of Georgia Tech football has never been brighter," athletic director Dan Radakovich said. "We are thrilled that Paul Johnson will be leading our program for a long time."

Johnson, who will make $2.3 million next year under the new extension, guided Georgia Tech to a 9-3 record this past season, capped by a 45-42 upset of rival Georgia. The Yellow Jackets defeated the Bulldogs for the first time since 2000.

A preseason pick to finish near the bottom of the ACC, Georgia Tech finished 5-3 in conference play.

"I am excited to be the head coach at Georgia Tech and to be a part of the great tradition here," Johnson said. "I look forward to continue being a part of the Georgia Tech family for years to come."

Georgia Tech will take on defending national champion Louisiana State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on December 31.