Jan 22, 2015 04:18 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Mark Richt's tenure as the head football coach at the University of Georgia (UGA) just got longer.

According to ESPN, the two sides agreed to a contract extension that would keep Richt in charge of the football team through the 2019 season. The extension gives Richt an $800,000 to an even $4 million per year.

The UGA Athletics Association approved the extension and it was announced Wednesday.

"We are very pleased with the direction of our program under Mark's leadership," UGA Athletic Director Greg McGarity said in the announcement. "Mark and his staff are making significant strides in all areas of our program, and we look forward to great things in the years to come."

Richt had three years left on his current contract and has been coaching the Bulldogs since 2001. He is 136-48 since then and has won the SEC East division six times and the SEC conference title twice.

Georgia went 10-3 this past season while missing Heisman-Trophy-worthy running back Todd Gurley for about half the season. Since the start of his tenure at Georgia, Richt has also been one of the most successful coaches in college football, winning nearly three-quarters of his games while playing in the toughest conference.

"I appreciate the confidence that Greg McGarity has in the direction of our football program and how we represent the University of Georgia," Richt said in the announcement. "Our staff has an outstanding work ethic and we are committed to the development of our student-athletes on and off the field."

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