Tulane has given coach Bob Toledo a one-year contract extension with a one-year option, meaning he will return to the Green Wave for his fifth season.

The team showed improvement this year, going 4-8 with an upset win over Rutgers. He also has 17 starters returning for 2011, including breakout freshman Orleans Darkwa. The running back set school freshman records for rushing yards (925), touchdowns (11) and consecutive 100-yard rushing games (five).

Toledo is 13-35 in four seasons.

“Four years ago, Bob came into a very difficult situation and was asked to establish a strong foundation for the Tulane football program and he and his staff have worked tirelessly to achieve many of the goals we put in front of him,” athletic director Rick Dickson said in a statement.

“At the end of four seasons, we are now in a position to achieve our original goals of contending in our division and attaining bowl berths, while continuing to excel in the classroom and in community service, and I expect these to occur next year.”