North Dakota extends Schweigert through 2021

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(STATS) - The University of North Dakota rewarded 2016 Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year Bubba Schweigert on Tuesday with a contract extension through the 2021 season.

Schweigert's original four-year contract ran through the 2017 season, but it's been superceded by a new five-year deal with a salary increase.

The North Dakota native led the Fighting Hawks to a share of the Big Sky title this season, going 8-0 in conference games. They finished 9-3 overall, losing in the second round of their first-ever FCS playoff appearance.

He was fourth in voting for the STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award as the national coach of the year.

"Coach Schweigert and his staff have done an amazing job in bringing back that winning tradition to UND football," athletic director Brad Faison said. "We wanted to make certain we kept continuity and stability in the program moving forward. Our student-athletes, UND students, alumni and the community have embraced Bubba's vision for Fighting Hawks football. The fun and the pride are back."

The Fighting Hawks finished 3-8 in the 2013 season before his arrival and the team's win total has increased by two in each subsequent season, including 5-7 in 2014 and 7-4 last year. With this year's highest win total since the program moved to the Division I level prior to the 2008 season, Schweigert is 21-14 overall through three seasons.

UND also will increase its salary pool for the assistant coaches.