Ga. Tech extends Paul Johnson
Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson agreed in principle to a four-year contract extension through the 2020 season, athletic director Mike Bobinski announced Saturday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed publicly, but the contract is believed to place Johnson among the four-highest paid coaches in the ACC, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad. Florida State's Jimbo Fisher, Clemson's Dabo Swinney and Louisville's Bobby Petrino are the three highest-paid coaches in the ACC. Johnson's salary this year was $2.6 million, fifth in the ACC, just behind Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer.
Johnson's current contract was set to expire following the 2016 season.
"I'm pleased to announce an extension of Paul Johnson's contract," Bobinski said. "This extension reflects our confidence in the solid foundation Coach Johnson has built for the future success of our program, which reaches beyond the field and includes increasingly strong academic achievement.
"I look forward to Paul Johnson's continued leadership of our football program and am excited about the possibilities in the years ahead."
Johnson is 58-34 in seven seasons at Georgia Tech, leading the Yellow Jackets to their third ACC championship game appearance in seven seasons. The No. 11 Yellow Jackets play No. 4 Florida State for the title on Saturday night.
Earlier this week, Johnson was named the 2014 ACC Coach of the Year -- his third ACC COY honor as Tech's head coach (2008, 2009).
"I am excited that we were able to work out a contract extension," Johnson said. "I appreciate the support of our fans, students and alumni during my time here. My family and I are looking forward to being a part of Georgia Tech for a long time."
