LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV President Len Jessup and Director of Athletics Tina Kunzer-Murphy announced Friday that they have agreed in principle on a three-year extension of the contract of football head coach Tony Sanchez.

Sanchez originally signed a four-year contract in December 2014 and now has a deal that will keep him at UNLV through at least the 2021 season. University leaders are working on terms of the agreement, which will be announced when finalized.

"Tony signed a four-year contract and halfway through it, we are even more convinced he is the answer to the question of how to make UNLV Football consistently successful," Kunzer-Murphy said. "Continuity is important in turning this program around and Tony's success in building a roster, building the brand and building interest and support throughout the community has earned him an extension to see that vision realized."

The 11th head coach in UNLV history, Sanchez (7-17 overall) in 2015 became the first Rebel coach to win at least three times in his first season since Hall of Famer John Robinson in 1999. Sanchez also became only the third UNLV coach to win the fabled Fremont Cannon by defeating in-state rival Nevada, Reno in his debut campaign and the first to do it on the road. Under Sanchez, last year marked only the third time in program history and first time since 1999-2000 that UNLV won more games than the previous season for a second straight year.

"Tony is building a foundation for long-term success in every phase of the Rebel football program," said Jessup. "With his high-energy style and passion for the game, Tony is creating a new culture for UNLV Football that is generating tremendous community support and has Rebel fans excited for the future."

"I want to thank President Jessup and Tina for their continued support along with the entire Southern Nevada community, which has been unbelievable throughout our first two years here," Sanchez said. "I am so excited to be leading UNLV Football for years to come."