MONROE, La. -- After guiding the Warhawks to a Football Bowl Subdivision
(FBS) era best eight wins and the program's first bowl berth since joining the
FBS, head coach Todd Berry has been given a new four year contract that was
approved Friday by the University of Louisiana system's Board of Supervisors.
"I am excited about the opportunity to continue
my coaching career at ULM," said Berry. "I am appreciative of the university's
efforts to make our program better and we are doing our part as we continue to
strive to be strong both on and off the field."
Berry guided the Warhawks to an 8-5 overall
record and a second place finish in the Sun Belt at 6-2. The third-year coach was named the Sun Belt
Coach of the Year as well as the Louisiana Coach of the Year.
The Warhawks kicked off the season with an
overtime win against No. 8 Arkansas in Little Rock. The victory tabbed "The Shock in Little Rock"
garnered national attention for ULM as the football program was featured on
ESPN.com, the Tim Brando Show, the Scott Van Pelt Show, USA Today and Sports
Illustrated.
"Coach Berry has done an outstanding job
building a program the right way both on the field of play and in the classroom,"
said Bobby Staub, ULM's Director of Athletics.
"We're excited about the opportunity for sustained success and
his commitment to that end. This new agreement is structured in such a
way that it rewards success and longevity which will be made possible through
private revenue streams. This is indeed an exciting day for the Warhawk
family."
ULM followed with close losses at Auburn and
against Baylor. After the loss to the
Bears, the Warhawks rattled off five straight wins to improve to 6-2 overall
and reach bowl eligibility with the 38-24 win over South Alabama.
The Warhawks posted a 2-2 mark in November to
complete the regular season at 8-4. On
Saturday, Dec. 1, the Warhawks learned they would get one more chance to play
in 2012 as they had been selected to play in the 2012 AdvoCare V100
Independence Bowl on Dec. 28. ULM made its
first bowl appearance against Ohio at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.
