Washington’s James Gets Contract Extension to Include 1996 Season

University of Washington football coach Don James’ contract has been extended one year to include the 1996 season, Athletic Director Barbara Hedges said Thursday.

Terms of the contract were not announced.

“This is a traditional and automatic extension,” Hedges said. “This arrangement is something both parties wanted to underscore his plans of coaching at Washington.

“I am extremely pleased with the direction Don has provided the football program and his leadership is reflected in the success of the program.”

James has been head coach at Washington for 18 years and has a 153-57-2 record with the Huskies, the most victories in school history. The program has been troubled recently by questionable player eligibility and criminal problems.

The Huskies have been to three consecutive Rose Bowls but lost to Michigan on New Year’s Day, 38-31.