Nov. 10, 2000

Waco, Texas - Baylor University president Robert B. Sloan and the university's Board of Regents approved Friday a recommendation by director of athletics Tom Stanton to give head football coach Kevin Steele a contract extension. Baylor, a private institution, did not release details of the extension.

"Kevin Steele is a great coach and a man of impeccable character," Sloan said. "We are fortunate to have him leading our football student-athletes. Because of the quality Kevin represents, we want to ensure he has the necessary time and resources needed to build our football program the right way."

"There is no one better suited than Kevin Steele to rebuild Baylor's football program," Stanton said. "Much progress has already been made. The improved discipline, outstanding organization, better relationships with high school coaches and the subsequent progress in recruiting, and increased team unity due to strong player-coach relationships are evidence of the long-term goals Baylor is working toward. Kevin has laid out a blueprint for success that will make Baylor a winning program in the Big 12 Conference."

"I'm excited about the commitment Baylor has placed on being successful in the Big 12," Steele said. "Our plan is in place, and with the strong support we're receiving from Dr. Sloan, Tom Stanton and the Board of Regents, we know that this football program has a bright future."

Steele and his staff are in their second year of rebuilding the Bear football program. The Dillon, S.C.-native was hired by Baylor in December 1998 after 19 years as a well-respected assistant at universities such as Tennessee and Nebraska and with the NFL's Carolina Panthers.