COMMERCE – Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dr. Ray Keck and Director of Athletics Tim McMurray announced Monday a contract extension for Head Football Coach Colby Carthel.  The extension is four years in length and runs through the 2020 season.
 
"Colby Carthel exemplifies everything right about intercollegiate athletics and developing young men as scholars, athletes, and gentlemen," Keck noted.  "It has been a privilege to watch what our football program accomplished in 2016, and I know our Lion community is excited about the trail Colby has blazed for the future."
 
Carthel has been the head coach of the Lions for four seasons, with a continued progression of success in each year, earning a record of 34-13. The Lions have made the postseason in each of Carthel's four seasons, qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs the last two years. A&M-Commerce has won the last three Lone Star Conference Championships, becoming the first Lion football squad to win three consecutive conference titles since 1957-59. The 11 wins by the 2016 Lions ties the school record for wins in a season.
 
"Colby Carthel has changed the culture of our football program in his time at Texas A&M-Commerce, and I am extremely pleased that, he, Sarah, and Major have extended their commitment to Lion football," said McMurray. "Not only does his program exemplify the "Best in Class" mantra on the field, but in everything our football program does.  I am certain that Lion Football will continue its climb 'To The Top' under his leadership. "
 
The Lions hosted an NCAA Division II Playoff game for the first time since 1991 on November 19, taking a 34-23 win over Colorado Mesa. This was also A&M-Commerce's first NCAA Division II Playoff win since 1991.
 
In his four seasons in Commerce, Carthel has mentored 97 all-Lone Star Conference selections and nine All-Americans to date. Carthel is the only coach in school history to lead the Lions to four straight postseason berths.
 
"Sarah, Major, and I love Commerce, America, and it's fun to win a bunch of football games, so we're excited to continue the climb to the top with this Lion football program," Carthel said. "We greatly appreciate our administration, faculty, staff, students, and the tremendous fans, as they all help make this the best job in the country!"
 
Season ticket opportunities - along with the entire 2017 Lion football schedule - will be announced later this week.