University at Buffalo football coach Turner Gill has agreed to a contract extension through the 2013 season, the school announced today.

Gill has become a hot commodity over the last year and has interviewed for jobs at Nebraska and most recently Syracuse University and Auburn. He was also considered a candidate for openings at Washington State and Iowa State.

Gill also has a rollover option each year, and his raise in pay will place him as one of the highest-paid coaches in the Mid-American Conference. The Bulls' assistant coaches will also see an increase in their compensation. Terms of the new agreement were not disclosed.

Gill, who came to UB in 2006, led the Bulls to their first Mid-American Conference championship with a decisive 42-24 win over previously unbeaten and 12th ranked Ball State. The Bulls are currently 8-5 and ready for the program's first bowl appearance when they take on Connecticut on January 3 in the International Bowl in Toronto.

Gill has a 15-22 overall record and his Bulls claimed a share of the 2007 MAC East title before claiming it outright this year.

"On the day I came here to be the head coach, I told my team that one day we would be successful here at the University at Buffalo," Gill said in a statement released by the school. "Now, more than ever, I have never been more proud to be the head coach of this program at this great academic institution. This program has proven it can win now and it is built to continue to win in the future. I am grateful to president John Simpson and athletic director Warde Manuel for their continued support and faith in me as a football coach and leader of young men."