Tressel gets new contract from Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 18 (UPI) -- Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel Thursday signed a new contract that runs through 2012.

In five seasons at the Big Ten school, the 53-year-old Tressel has an overall record of 50-13.

In 2005, he guided OSU to a 10-2 mark, including a seven-game winning streak and a Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.

"Jim Tressel is one of the finest football coaches in the country and we felt it was important to get him near the top nationally in terms of compensation," said Athletic Director Gene Smith on the school's Web site. "This contract accomplishes that goal."

His old deal ran through 2009. In the new contract, he will receive $2.38 million in the first season and $2.67 million in the final year.

"Ellen (his wife) and I feel very fortunate and we understand to whom much is given, much is expected,"

Tressel said.

His 2005 team had an overall grade point average of 2.84.