Minnesota finalized a two-year contract extension with head coach Tim Brewster that locks him up through the 2013 season, sources with knowledge of the negotiations told ESPN.com.
The university couldn't confirm the extension as of early Friday afternoon, but a source said it was finalized Thursday night. The Star Tribune is also reporting the extension.
Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi said in late December that Brewster would receive an extension and wanted to have it finalized before National Signing Day, which takes place Wednesday. Minnesota remains in the running for several coveted recruits, including heralded offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson from St. Paul, Minn.
Brewster's original contract ran through the 2011 season and paid him $1 million annually. He's 14-23 in three seasons at Minnesota and has guided the Gophers to back-to-back bowl appearances.
A message left for Maturi on Friday morning was not immediately returned.
The two-year bump gives Brewster some help on the recruiting trail, where he has done his best work as a college coach. Brewster still faces a pivotal season this fall and must fare better in Big Ten play and against Minnesota's top rivals (Wisconsin and Iowa). He'll need to get improved results from a team filled with his own recruits.
The extension provides a little more stability, at least for the time being.