(Sports Network) - Pittsburgh has signed head basketball coach Jamie Dixon to a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2015-16 season. Dixon is beginning his sixth season as head coach of the Panthers, and his 10th year at Pitt. The only coach in program history to lead Pitt to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, five straight 20-win overall and 10- win league seasons, Dixon has guided the Panthers to a 132-40 mark overall.

"I am grateful to the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity and support that I have received here," said Dixon. "I love both the university and our outstanding city. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by a special group of players, a great coaching staff, the most supportive administration in the country and tremendous fans."

Pitt won the 2004 Big East regular season title, and the 2008 Big East Tournament under Dixon, and made the Sweet 16 in 2004 and 2007. Dixon's 132 career victories are tied for third among all-time NCAA Division I coaching starts after five seasons. He has the best winning percentage for a Pitt head coach after five years and reached 100 victories faster than any other coach in school history.

"This contract extension is all about commitment: our commitment to Jamie and his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh," said Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson. "Jamie has risen to the top of his profession in a very short period of time. He is deserving of this commitment by the university for establishing Pitt basketball as one of the nation's premier programs."

Dixon and Pitt are coming off a 27-10 mark last season, and the school's seventh straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The fourth-seeded Panthers bowed out in the second round to Michigan State after bouncing Oral Roberts in the first round.



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