Miami University athletic director Joel Maturi on Thursday announced a two-year contract extension for head basketball coach Charlie Coles through the 2005-06 season.

        Maturi said Coles made between $113,000-$115,000 this past season and can make up to $120,000 a year with the new deal.

        Coles, 60, who had two years remaining on his contract, was surprised by the move, in light of the RedHawks' 13-18 record this past season, which marked the first time a Coles team at Miami finished below .500. It was Miami's first such showing since the 1990-91 season.

        “It takes an extraordinary man like Joel Maturi to do what he did,” Coles said. “Maybe one or two guys in the country would have done that. ... I didn't think I did a good job last season. I really appreciate it, because I am where I want to be, doing what I want to do. The faith in me makes me want to do better, so I won't let (Maturi) down.”

        Maturi agreed with Coles' sentiment, that Miami's record must improve but that Coles' loyalty to Miami and the Mid-American Conference were too valuable to overlook.

        “I'm not ecstatic with seventh- and eighth-place MAC finishes, but I had to look more into it with student conduct as well as the respect in the community and his desire to be here at Miami,” Maturi said.

        Maturi has made it a practice to lock up coaches' contract issues before their seasons begin, to minimize distractions. He already extended football coach Terry Hoeppner's contract through 2005 earlier this year.

        Coles' team faced enough distractions this past season, including the dismissal — and ultimately the reinstatement — of senior Alex Shorts in late February, in the heart of the MAC season.

        Overall, Coles' tenure has been successful. Since taking over for Herb Sendek in 1996, Coles has guided Miami to 107 victories and two NCAA Tournament appearances, including the school's only Sweet 16 appearance in 1999, after which Coles signed the deal extended Thursday. He ranks third in school history for wins and is sixth in winning percentage (.578).

        “When we went (to the Sweet 16), I had an inquiry from another school (for a job),” said Coles, who also played for Miami from 1962-65. “They told me, "You might never get back here' and (that) I should leave while I had the chance. Well, maybe we will never get back, but it is my dream to (get back to the Sweet 16) and be at Miami.”

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