Washington State Cougars extend head coach Mike Leach's contract through 2018

An 8-14 record, including a 5-5 mark this year, got Mike Leach an extension at Washington State. (Dean Hare/AP) Mike Leach might be sticking around the

An 8-14 record, including a 5-5 mark this year, got Mike Leach an extension at Washington State. (Dean Hare/AP)

Mike Leach might be sticking around the Pacific Northwest for a little while longer. Washington State announced on Monday it has extended Leach's contract through the 2018 season.

“I’d like to thank Bill Moos and President Floyd for extending my contract and giving me the opportunity to coach at Washington State,” said Leach. “The support we have received from students, fans, alumni and the administration has been tremendous and by the end of this year we will have facilities that rival anyone in the country.

“As I’ve said many times, my family and I are extremely happy at Washington State and love living in Pullman.”

Leach is 5-5 in his second season with the Cougars -- the program's most wins at this point in the season since 2006, the school's last season without a losing record -- as Washington State prepares to face Utah this weekend. Washington State went 3-9 in Leach's first season as coach in 2012, a mark that included an eight-game losing streak. This year the Cougars upset both USC and Arizona on the road and lost by seven points to an Auburn squad currently ranked No. 6 in the BCS.

In all Leach holds a career record of 92-57 in 12 seasons as a head coach in college football.

Washington State athletic director Bill Moos said Leach's performance thus far has more than warranted a contract extension.

“Mike Leach has done a fabulous job in his short time at Washington State,” said Moos. “Extending his contract through the 2018 season will ensure a bright future for Cougar football. He has elevated the program on the field, in the community and in the classroom. I believe he is among the best college football coaches in America and is a fantastic fit in Pullman.”