Utah State extends head coach Matt Wells

Matt Wells led Utah State to a 9-5 record and a Poinsettia Bowl win in his first season as head coach. (Ethan Miller/Getty) After just one season as Utah

Matt Wells led Utah State to a 9-5 record and a Poinsettia Bowl win in his first season as head coach. (Ethan Miller/Getty)

After just one season as Utah State's head coach, Matt Wells earned an extension, the school announced Thursday.

Wells' extension runs through 2018 and raises his annual salary to $800,000 including incentives. The Aggies went 9-5 in 2013, Wells' first season after being promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach in December 2012. Last season Wells lead Utah State to the first-ever Mountain West Championship Game and the third bowl win in school history in the Poinsettia Bowl. He was named Mountain West Coach of the Year and set the school record for most wins by a first-year head coach.

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From the university's press release:

"Matt had a great first year leading our football program. His commitment to our student-athletes has been tremendous and they've responded with great results in the classroom and on the field," said [Director of Athletics Scott] Barnes. "Matt has deep roots here as a former Aggie quarterback and he conveys his passion for our great university on a daily basis."