UNI coach signs new contract

The University of Northern Iowa has signed football coach Mike Dunbar to a contract extension that runs through the end of the 2003 season. Dunbar is in his fourth season as the Panther coach has a record of 27-14. Panther athletic director Rick Hartzell says they’ve been working on the contract for awhile. Hartzell says its important to have the contract in place as the next recruiting season gets underway.Hartzell says he has been pleased with the direction of the program under Dunbar. Dunbar says they’ve been talking about the extension since last spring. Dunbar says the coaching staff looks forward to accomplishing their goals, which include qualifying for the playoffs and competing for a national championship.