Nov. 26, 2002

Columbia, SC –

University of South Carolina President Andrew A. Sorensen and Athletics Director Michael B. McGee announced Tuesday that Head Football Coach Lou Holtz’s contract had been extended for an additional year and restored to a five-year term. With the extension, Coach Holtz’s contract will continue through 2007.

“The University is committed to Coach Holtz and the members of his fine coaching staff,” Sorensen said. “He is an invaluable asset of the University and our football program. I look forward to his leadership and his continuing commitment to the development of our student-athletes, both on and off the playing field, for the next five years.”

McGee agreed: “Coach Holtz has turned around the Carolina football program, leading it to outstanding success including consecutive New Year’s Day bowl victories over Ohio State University. He has assembled a strong coaching staff led by Assistant Head Football Coach Skip Holtz and Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong. We have every confidence under Coach Holtz’s leadership, the football team’s progress will continue next year and beyond and that Carolina will be recognized nationally as a premier football program.”