Houston Inks 10-Year Extension

HARRISONBURG – James Madison football coach Mike Houston has signed a contract extension that runs through 2027, Dukes athletic director Jeff Bourne announced Tuesday.

The new 10-year deal replaces a previous extension signed this past offseason that would’ve kept him at JMU through 2021 and raised his pay to $375,000 annually.

Financial details of the new extension were not released.

Before JMU began its postseason run, Houston was reportedly a candidate at FBS Georgia Southern for its coaching vacancy.

“JMU approached me in in the second half of the regular season to discuss an extended contract,” Houston said in the release. “During negotiations, there was significant interest from multiple FBS programs. Throughout the process, JMU was proactive in wanting to make a long-term commitment while ensuring that our staff could remain intact. I’ve turned down opportunities at the FBS level, and I did it because I believe in James Madison University.”

When Houston was rumored for other jobs, he said he was happy at JMU.

“My thing is this, I am fortunate to be the head football coach at James Madison University,” Houston said last month ahead of the Dukes’ second-round contest against Stony Brook. “It is a special place and I am committed to these coaches, these kids, our institution and our alumni.”

Houston is 27-1 overall with a national championship in his two season at the school. The Dukes play Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the FCS semifinals against South Dakota State.