Mississippi State extends Croom's contract

STARKVILLE, Miss., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Mississippi State Athletic Director Larry Templeton announced Thursday the school had extended the contract of Coach Sylvester Croom.

Croom's new deal extends through the 2008 season. He was hired one year ago as the first black head coach in Southeastern Conference history.

"This contract extension demonstrates the university's recognition of the outstanding job that Coach Croom has done in just one year as the head of our football program," Templeton said.

The Bulldogs posted a 3-8 record this season and was 2-8 in the SEC. The highlight of the season came when Mississippi State stunned Florida.