ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio University announced Thursday a five-year contract extension for football coach Frank Solich, keeping him in Athens through the end of 2017.

In just seven years at Ohio, he is the school's third all-time winningest coach. He is coming off a monumental season that saw the Bobcats set 47 school records, including tying the season win mark at 10, and win their first-ever bowl game.

“There is no better college football coach in the country than Frank Solich,” Athletic Director Jim Schaus said in a press release. “He is instrumental in building one of the most successful eras in Ohio Athletics history. Under his leadership, Ohio Football has become a nationally competitive and highly recognized program. Our future is bright and I am confident that we will continue to build excellence in Ohio Football.”

Since arriving on campus in 2005, Solich has compiled a 50-40 record and has directed the Bobcats to four bowl games, including three in a row, and three MAC championship games. He has also led Ohio to the most wins of any team in the MAC since the start of the 2006 season.

“I couldn’t be happier to continue my head coaching career here at Ohio University,” Solich said in the release. “I have been very pleased with what we as a staff have been able to accomplish in seven years here, but we still have more things to do and I look forward to the opportunity of reaching our goals. We have a tremendous group of student athletes, coaches, support staff and administrators who have really bought in to what we’re all about.”

In addition, Solich has coached 51 All-MAC players and four All-Americans. In 2006, he was named the league’s coach of the year.

He coached at Nebraska prior to his stint with Ohio and last season tallied his 100th career coaching victory.