Dalis Contract Extension in Works

UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale said Tuesday that university officials are in “very productive discussions” to extend the contract of Athletic Director Peter Dalis.

The contract expires Dec. 31. Dalis, whose 18-year tenure ranks as the longest of any current athletic director in the Pacific 10 Conference, earns $159,500 a year.

“I think he’s done a superb job, as measured by almost any standard,” Carnesale said.

Carnesale cited the Bruins’ broad-based athletic success--35 NCAA championships under Dalis, four in the last academic year--relatively high graduation rates for student-athletes and the hiring and retention of quality coaches as reasons for his satisfaction. Carnesale also noted the success of the flagship programs since his arrival in 1997--three bowl games in four seasons in football, two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances in three seasons in men’s basketball.

“Even if you want to take the narrowest view, just of performance of basketball and football, the overall record has been quite wonderful,” Carnesale said.

Dalis, 62, graduated from UCLA in 1959--he was a student manager for the football team--and has worked at the university since.

He declined to comment.