The football coach’s contract is extended through the 2007 season.

ORONO (AP) – Under a contract announced Wednesday, Jack Cosgrove agreed to coach the University of Maine football team through the 2007 season.

Athletic Director Patrick Nero announced Cosgrove’s contract at a news conference hours prior to the team’s first practice of the season.

“It is the hope of both the university and Jack that his tenure lasts well beyond this five-year agreement,” Nero said.

Cosgrove, 47, has compiled a 53-61 record over 10 seasons as Black Bears’ coach, leading them to Atlantic 10 Conference championships in each of the last two seasons. He has twice been named conference coach of the year.

In January, university President Peter Hoff admonished Cosgrove and interim Athletic Director Paul Bubb for failing to enforce the school’s code of conduct after a star linebacker who admitted to steroid possession was allowed to play in the team’s last four games.

Cosgrove had been without a contract since July 1, when his previous deal expired, though the parties had reached a verbal agreement on a new contract.

The contract announced Wednesday, which has been approved by University of Maine System Chancellor Joseph Westphal, calls for Cosgrove to receive $115,000 this season, followed by incremental raises culminating in a salary of $140,000 in 2007.

Last season Cosgrove earned $105,000, making him the second lowest-paid football coach in the Atlantic 10 but one of the higher paid employees at the university.

Hoff earns a salary of $155,418, plus use of a house and vehicle, according to a spokesman for the university.

Cosgrove, who played quarterback at Maine from 1974-77, thanked the university’s administration for the opportunity to keep coaching in Orono.

“It’s no secret that the Cosgroves are big fans of the state of Maine, particularly the greater Bangor area where I have now lived the better part of my life,” he said.

AP-ES-08-06-03 1519EDT